Milnrow Brass Band get into the swing for charity extravaganza

Milnrow Brass Band get into the patriotic spirit

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Milnrow Brass Band played at The Salvation Army Citadel in Warrington at a charity concert in aid of Warrington Hospital’s Neonatal Unit last weekend.

Organised by well-known brass banding couple Russell and Mareika Gray, Saturday evening’s event was held in appreciation of the help given by Warrington’s neonatal unit before, during and after the birth of their premature son Angus; now a healthy 8 weeks old.

The Brass Night of the Proms saw Under Associate Conductor David Hebb and the band got the party off to a swinging start with an upbeat rendition of ‘Trail Blaze’, followed by ‘Shenandoah’ with Claire Westacott on the flugel horn.

The entire back row of the cornet section – Donna, Louise, Penny and Andy Collins – featured in an exhilarating ‘Trumpets Wild’, with principal trombonist Chris Binns thrilling the attendees with the ever-popular ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.

After interval refreshments and a well-supported raffle, with donated prizes including a Racing Day at Silverstone, VIP passes for the Liverpool Eye and a hamper of chocolates, the concert continued under the direction of Principal MD Mareika Gray with fantastic versions of ‘Olympic Fanfare and Theme’ followed by ‘Faith’; a cornet solo performed by Russell Gray.

An uptempo section including such tracks as ‘Bring Back That Leroy Brown’, ‘Mumbo Jumbo’ and Tom Jones classic ‘Delilah’ had everybody on their feet, with the fitting finale of ‘Fantasia on British Sea Songs’, ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ ensuring the audience left the concert in a patriotic mood.