Black Dyke Band made a hugely welcome return to Shirebrook for this mid-week concert which saw them link up with Shirebrook Miner’s Welfare Band.

As an uplifting prelude to the evening’s entertainment the audience were treated to some wonderful playing from the Shirebrook Junior Band, the next generation of youngsters who themselves will surely have been inspired by listening to the famous Queensbury ensemble.  

Prof Nicholas Childs certainly came to entertain, with the opening ‘Enter the Galaxies’  played with power and virtuosity. 

Men and Mountains

It was however the opportunity to hear Edward Gregson’s ‘Of Men and Mountains’  ahead of their forthcoming Royal Albert Hall National Final that left the deepest musical impression.  

This was serious music making of intellect and beauty, and appreciated as such by the audience. 

This was serious music making of intellect and beauty, and appreciated as such by the audience.  The MD may have quipped that it was an early ‘MOT’ to test his band’s contest readiness, but this was music that fitted perfectly into a showcase concert too. 

The stardust was not forgotten though with Adam Bokaris on euphonium and Gareth Hand on xylophone upping the wow factor with their solo contributions, whilst the clever ‘Strictly Come Dancing’  set deserved a ’10 from Len’ and just about everyone else in the audience. 

Above and Beyond

It was balanced by a thoughtful and moving rendition of ‘Above and Beyond’  in recognition of the contribution made to the local community of district councillor and alderman Kenneth Walker and his wife Freda as well as a touching reminder of lives lost to all in attendance. 

The polished professionalism of the MD and his players in their engagement with the audience and fellow performers from Shirebrook prior, during and after the event saw them leave with yet more ‘Pondasher’ fans.

Much is made of Black Dyke’s busy concert schedule (they returned recently from Italy), yet as a packed hall showed, they retain a quality of musical engagement that few if any brass band can match. 

The polished professionalism of the MD and his players in their engagement with the audience and fellow performers from Shirebrook prior, during and after the event saw them leave with yet more ‘Pondasher’ fans.

The rousing finale, where they were joined by Shirebrook Miners’ Welfare Band for Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance’  led to a prolonged standing ovation.  It was richly deserved.   

The invitation to return once more will surely be posted straight away.

Dennis Fletcher