After the success of a concert with Foresters Brass in June that raised much needed funds for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance Service, baritone player Keith Muggeridge linked up with his friends at Longridge for this enjoyable ‘Last Night of the Proms’ event.

The connection between Keith and the band was strengthened during his long period of convalescence following his horrific road accident in 2015, especially through his friendship with the band’s MD, Mark Peacock, whilst both were friends of composer Darrol Barry who died earlier this year. 

Night to remember

It was therefore a night to remember as well as celebrate - with Darrol’s wife Rachel sat in the horn section of the band as they played through a number of her husband’s cracking arrangements.   

Keith performed ‘Napoli’ and ‘Carrickfergus’ as his solo contributions, whilst soprano vocalist Louise Coupe was splendidly patriotic in ‘Fantasia on British Sea Songs’ and ‘Pomp and Circumstance’.

And whilst the current band showed that they are in polished fettle under Mark Peacock’s baton – playing with discipline and precision throughout, the next generation of Longridge players were also on show. 

Keith performed ‘Napoli’ and ‘Carrickfergus’ as his solo contributions, whilst soprano vocalist Louise Coupe was splendidly patriotic in ‘Fantasia on British Sea Songs’ and ‘Pomp and Circumstance’.

World Cup medley

Conducted by soprano cornet Matthew Balsam, they delighted the audience with their enthusiasm and craftily picked ‘World Cup’ medley at a time when England was still expectantly dreaming of ending 52 years of hurt.  

A great evening for great causes was rounded off with the traditional ‘Last Night of the Proms’ flag-waving fervour of ‘Jerusalem’ to send everyone home with pride and passion in their steps.

Paul Teale