Middleton Band perform with Houghton Weavers at Middleton Arena

Middleton Band and the Houghton Weavers

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Middleton Band presented the Houghton Weavers, as part of a series of events in preparation for the Middleton Band’s 140th Anniversary in 2016, at Middleton Arena on Friday 16 May.

Middleton Youth Band, who are also celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year, opened the evening. Led by musical director Louise Crane, the band treated the audience to a varied selection of toe tappers from the classic ‘William Tell’ to the modern 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.

The evening continued with the Houghton Weavers, who lived up to their motto of ‘keep folk smiling’, with their repertoire of popular folk songs from raucous traditional songs to beautiful ballads.

Next on stage was the Middleton Band, conducted by Martyn Evans. Their programme included 'Horizons', 'Toccata' (in D minor) and 'River Dance'. A surprise was in store for the audience during ‘Highland Cathedral’, when three pipers from Manchester Community Pipe Band joined on stage in true highland style.

The evening was rounded off with a joint performance from the Houghton Weavers accompanied by the Middleton Band for three numbers, ‘Rochdale Mashers,’ ‘Swanee,’ and ‘Any Dream Will Do’.