2008 is the 125th Anniversary of Croydon Citadel Band and the band is planning a series of exciting events to help celebrate this landmark achievement.

Messiah

Perhaps most adventurous of all is a performance of Dr Denis Wright’s arrangement of Handel’s 'Messiah' in collaboration with Wimbledon Choral Society and Croydon Philharmonic Choir.

Made famous by Black Dyke Mills Band and Huddersfield Choral Society, Croydon Citadel Band have, in fact, performed this work before as Bandmaster Mark Ingram explained to 4BR:

We know that this is going to be a truly memorable occasionBandmaster Mark Ingram

Fantastic experience

"In May 2005 we were privileged to travel to Wisconsin, USA as guests of the Dudley Birder Chorale when we performed this work at the renowned Weidner Concert Centre. This was a fantastic experience for us as you might imagine, especially bearing in mind the limited experience of brass banding in that part of the world.

The performance turned out to be such a great success that when we were planning our special anniversary year we thought it would be wonderful to repeat experience again!"

The concert is to be held on Easter Saturday at Fairfield Halls.

Memorable occasion

Mark added: "We know that this is going to be a truly memorable occasion. We’re not only hoping to draw a large local audience who will be attracted by the Messiah music but also those from further afield who will be intrigued by the prospect of the extra ‘touch of brass’ appeal that Croydon Citadel Band will bring."

For further information go to: www.fairfield.co.uk