Black Dyke’s bi-annual return to Bridgwater marked the beginning of what will be a crucial competitive time for the Queensbury band.

With the British Open and National Finals fast approaching, Pondasher fans are keen to see their favourites return to the top step of the contest podium.  They certainly turned out in considerable numbers here to show their support. 

Rousing

It’s been four years since they lasted tasted success, and whilst the band immediately settled into their well polished concert groove as soon as the Director of Music brought his baton down on a rousing ‘Crown Imperial’ march to open, supporters will have fingers crossed that they will also be on the same type of form come Birmingham and London.  

If this was any form guide, then there may be cause for celebrations. The soloists in Richard Marshall, Katrina Marzella, Brett Baker, Dan Thomas and Matthew Rigg provided playing of lyrical as well as technical artistry, whilst the programme picked to entertain did that and more.

The sparkle of Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ and the accessible test-piece heft of Bruce Broughton’s ‘Heroes’ sat nicely in contrast with the regular features of the ‘Black Dyke at the Movies’ set the cornet solo ‘The Watermill’ and ‘Torque’ from Peter Graham’s 'Baritone Concerto’ in the first half.

‘To Boldy Go’ impressively rounded things off - a musical sentiment that Pondasher fans will hope for from their favourites as they prepare to claim British Open and National title success in the coming months.

Brilliance

In the second, the orchestral brilliance of ‘Fest Music der Stadt Wien’ led into the wonderful ‘Sea Shells’ trombone solo and the euphonium spotlight of ‘Endearing Young Charms’, before ‘Ol’ Man River’ set the feet tapping on the flagstone floor of the 13th century church.

‘To Boldy Go’ impressively rounded things off - a musical sentiment that Pondasher fans will hope for from their favourites as they prepare to claim British Open and National title success in the coming months.

Paul Billing