On Saturday evening April 1st we held our annual Spring Concert in the huge and stunning Bolton Parish Church for the first time. What an amazing concert and audience it attracted too, with the church packed, all three adjoining car parks full to overflowing and two former Mayors of Bolton in attendance. Even with many members of the band, Community Choir, Community Band and audience all heading off down to Wembley Stadium in London very early the following morning to watch Bolton Wanderers beat Plymouth and win the EFL Trophy, the church was packed.

Our Spring concert was a great night for everyone involved and once again the whole evening was conducted and hosted by our MD Chris Wormald. Opening with stunning renditions of Ravenswood and the William Himes setting of Amazing Grace, the first half of the evening featured two outstanding soloists from within the band. First up was our Principal Cornet Lynsey Hayes to perform a spine tingling You’ll Never Walk Alone on both Cornet and, to conclude with a stunning top C and high F, on Trumpet in memory of the late American Trumpet player Ryan Anthony, and two pieces later our Solo Euphonium Caitlin Stranks performed the beautiful Benedictus by Karl Jenkins to absolute perfection.

The evening’s programme included Blenheim Flourishes, Isn’t This A Lovely Day, Feeling Good, Moon River, At This Table, The Continental and many more, concluding with the absolute highlight of the second half, Wagner’s Procession To The Minster, which drew a standing ovation from a huge section within the audience and rousing applause from everyone else.

Another great night was had by everyone involved and we thank the Community Choir and Community Band once again for joining us on yet another memorable occasion.