Since it was first held in 2000, the Borders Festival of Brass has grown to become a popular and well-respected Borders-wide event, full of good music, entertainment and fun.
Plenty to see and hear
The 9th Festival is set to take place from 20th September to 3rd October and arrangements are well underway thanks to the efforts of the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association.
Exciting concerts
The Festival will see events organised by many of the member bands and will include several exciting concerts, a long-established solo and quartet competition and a brass and percussion workshop for young players.
The Festival will see events organised by many of the member bands and will include several exciting concerts, a long-established solo and quartet competition and a brass and percussion workshop for young players4BR
Concerts and workshops
The packed festival programme kicks-off with on Saturday 20 September with a joint concert between St. Ronan’s Silver Band, St. Ronan’s Future Band and Selkirk Silver Band in the Memorial Hall, Innerleithen at 7.30pm.
That same night, Jedforest Instrumental Band and Abbey Brass (Jedforest) are presenting a concert in Jedburgh Town Hall at 7.30pm.
The next day (Sunday 21 September) will see a brass and percussion Workshop for school-age children (Langlee Primary School, Galashiels 10.00am-5.00pm).
Glyn Williams of the world-renowned Fodens Band has been engaged to conduct the “A band.” The workshop will conclude with a short concert featuring all of the young players at 4.00pm.
Variety of music
On Monday 23 September there will be a concert by St. Boswells Concert Band (St. Boswells Village Hall, 7.30pm). The event will feature a variety of music and will be conducted by Gordon Hitchison.
Tuesday 23 September will see a concert by the Langholm Junior Band. This young, up and coming Band will present their concert in the Buccleuch Centre, Langholm at 7.00pm.
On to Saturday 27 September and the next event, which will be a concert held by Selkirk Silver Band in Selkirk’s Victoria Hall (7.30pm). This will be a joint concert St. Ronan’s Silver Band, making the return visit following the previous week’s visit of Selkirk to Innerleithen.
Borders Slow Melody Contest
The annual Borders Slow Melody contest will take place on Sunday 28 September. Organised by Selkirk Silver Band it is to be held in the local High School commencing at 12 noon (draw, 11.30am). This will be a showcase of some of the best brass instrumentalist in the area.
Final event
Into October and the final event in the programme will be a concert by Peebles Burgh Silver Band in the Burgh Hall at 7.30pm. This will also feature Whitburn Band’s flugel horn soloist, James Chamberlain.
Enquiries about any of the events can be made by calling (01896) 831721.
Full programme:
Saturday 20 September: St. Ronan’s Silver & Future Bands ~ 01896 831721.
Concert with Selkirk Silver Band in Innerleithen Memorial Hall at 7.30pm
Saturday 20 September: Jedforest Instrumental Band and Abbey Brass Jedforest ~ 01835 864238.
Concert with in Jedburgh Town Hall at 7.30pm
Sunday 21 September: SBBBA ~ 01750 725213.
Youth Brass & Percussion Workshops
Langlee Primary School, Galashiels at 10.00am, Open Concert at 4.00pm
Monday 22 September: St. Boswells Concert Band ~ 01896 820179.
Concert in St. Boswells Village Hall at 7.30pm
Tuesday 23 September: Langholm Town Band Juniors ~ 01387 380425.
Concert in the Buccleuch Centre, Langholm at 6.30pm
Saturday 27 September: Selkirk Silver Band ~ 01750 22339.
Concert with St. Ronan’s Silver Band in Selkirk Victoria Hall at 7.30pm
Sunday 28 September: Selkirk Silver Band ~ 01750 22339.
Borders Slow Melody Contest in Selkirk High School at 11.30am
Friday 3 October: Peebles Burgh Silver & Junior Bands ~ 01721 722674.
Concert in with James Chamberlain (Soloist) in Peebles Burgh Hall at 7.30pm
