This was a concert billed as a ‘Spring Spectacular’. 

Unfortunately, with Britain in the grip of a horrendous late winter freeze, that was where the link between theme and reality ended. 

Six hour journey

Newly crowned Scottish champion, Whitburn who made a six hour journey to Huddersfield was met with the understandable sight of the vast majority of the 800 seats at the Town Hall being empty, as even the hardy Yorkshire brass band supporters had decided to remain tucked away in the warmth of their homes.

Those who braved the bitter elements though (and who were generously applauded in doing so by the players of both bands) were rewarded by an enjoyable night of well played music-making. 

After Band President Paul Beaumont announced that Brighouse was to become the latest top flight organisation to form a Youth Band, guest conductor, Ray Farr led the massed ensemble through a rousing rendition of the 'Dambusters March'. 

Robust

Howard Lorriman's arrangement of Verdi's overture 'Nabucco' was given an equally robust reading before Grieg's 'The Last Spring' was enhanced by the delightful sound of Caroline Farren, who had moved from flugel to principal cornet with Whitburn for the evening.

Iain Fleming, the reigning Scottish Slow Melody Champion also gave ample evidence as to why he is regarded as one of the finest horn players around in Sandy Smith's arrangement of 'Capriccio Brillante'. 

Energy

Ray Farr's familiar arrangement of 'Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom' was full of energy and filmatic dash, before the ensemble changed the mood with Eric Ball's arrangement of 'All in the April Evening' – played with a delicate appreciation of phrasing. 

Goff Richards' arrangement of Copeland's 'Simple Gifts' got any remaining cold feet tapping, before Wagner's 'Prelude to the Mastersingers' – real tour-de-force stuff, brought the first half to a fine end thanks to a persuasive musical interpretation by the MD. 

Cracking work

Ray Farr's familiar arrangement of Bach's 'Toccata' contained some cracking work from the Brighouse's kit man to open the second half, before  Grieg's 'Til Varen' (To Spring) and Vivaldi's 'La Primavera', from the 'Four Seasons’ were given engaging renditions. 

In between, Brighouse's Stuart Lingard took the audience off to warmer climes courtesy of a stylish account of the tango 'Por Una Cabesa'. 

Magnificent

The popular 'Intermezzo' from ‘Cavalieria Rusticana’ was followed by a refined performance of the 'Easter Hymn', before the MD revived his popular arrangement of 'Riverdance' which filled the magnificent acoustic of the hall with fleet footed filigree work and the colourful Latin sounds of 'Dances from West Side Story'. 

Ray Farr ensured that the appreciative audience was rewarded with a cracking encore to enjoy before their cold journey home, with '633 Squadron' giving everyone a warm feeling of well clapped hands to tuck snugly into waiting gloves on a night when medals for bravery and endeavour were won by one and all.

Malcolm Wood