Summer came early to the Lancashire town of Skelmersdale on Saturday, with the warming talent of local brass playing youngsters performing in the town’s inaugural Slow Melody Contest.

Tough time

The event, jointly organised by the Birch Green Brass Band and the West Lancashire Youth Brass Band saw 25 performers aged between 9 and 14 years of age compete over four sections under the watchful eyes (and ears!) of John Doyle, who had a tough but enjoyable time picking out the eventual winners.

Despite a few nerves, all the children performed well and more importantly enjoyed themselves, with many of them practically skipping home thanks to John’s positive and encouraging comments4BR

Delight

John was delighted with the obvious effort and enthusiasm of all the performers, for many of which was their first time playing a solo in public. Despite a few nerves, all the children performed well and more importantly enjoyed themselves, with many of them practically skipping home thanks to John’s positive and encouraging comments.

Celebration

The event was a real celebration about how well the Lancashire Music Service, local bands and schools in Skelmersdale have been working in partnership over the past three years with one another to promote Lancashire’s rich heritage of brass playing to young people.

To celebrate this even further, a joint concert will be held tonight at the Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre.