SUCH is the popularity of Halifax Concert Band that this annual event was sold out two weeks in advance.
It was a special occasion as it is 30 years since the band was formed – and it was founder member Mark Holroyd's last appearance.
Musical d
irector Christopher Binns, amusing as always with his quips between numbers, was responsible for several arrangements and ensured high standards were maintained.
He balanced the programme with some non-seasonal selections like his adaptation of Bring Me Sunshine and invited everyone invited to sing alongwith the Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack, Choral from Choral and Rockout and Khachaturian's exciting Sabre Dance.
Binns adapted Handel's Hallelujah! Chorus for concert band, The Twelve Days of Christmas gave each row chance to sing their own bit, and Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival Overture and Sleigh Ride and Derek Ashmore's Christmas Swing-along were full of festive favourites.
Christopher Binns did a new take on a traditional favourite, calling it Another Midnight Clear, while Irving Berlin's White Christmas was livened up by John Edmondson.
Among join-in carols were Once in Royal David's City and The First Noel.
