Let us entertain you!

Dr. Richard Jones examines the legacy of Brass In Concert after 40 years of presenting a rich seam of repertoire, entertainment and international contenders

On the 20 November, Brass in Concert will celebrate a very special anniversary. What started as a community building exercise between Carreras Rothmans and the people of Darlington (and by proxy the north-east) resulted in a legacy of music and memories that have lasted four decades.

It is interesting to note that only four of the original bands will mark this anniversary by participating - Grimethorpe, Carlton Main Frickley (then both colliery bands), Reg Vardy (then Ever Ready) and Hammonds Saltaire (then Hammonds Sauce). Additionally, the 2016 entries show that the original local focus of the event has, over the years, established a more global following with the inclusion of Schoonhoven (Holland), Dublin Silver (USA) and Stavanger (Norway) brass bands.

Brass in Concert, or the Rothmans competition as it was originally known, was founded in 1977 by the tobacco company of the same name and two individuals - Cyril Beere and Peter Hartley. Both were integral members of Barnard Castle Band - Hartley as the conductor and Beere as the Secretary (also as Employee Relations Officer for Rothmans in his day job).

A heartwarming thread of continuity is that a number of the young people on duty that day in 1977 continue to be closely involved in the presentation of the event to the present day, including Paul and Jackie Beere, son and daughter-in-law of Cyril Beere, and now their three daughters - Claire, Suzanne and Victoria.

Originally, the competition was…

This excerpt is taken from November 2016’s BBW. Access the article in full, right now, by subscribing to BBW Digital. Alternatively, subscribe to the printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World)