Milnrow Band's Annual Christmas Concert at Milnrow Cricket Club

The concert room was filled to capacity and the audience was in obvious festive mood when Musical Director Dennis Hadfield brought his baton down to start Milnrow Band on the first item at it's annual Christmas concert.

‘Christmas Festival’ was followed by ‘The Snowman’ (Walking in the Air) made famous by Aled Jones.

This brilliant start heralded what was to be a jolly evening of musical fare with the programme packed full of Christmas singalong items.

The Bing Crosby favourite ‘White Christmas’ from the film Holiday Inn, ‘Stop the Cavalry’ and a variety of carols also Queen`s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ were included in the first half together with the Johnny Mathis staple ‘When a Child is Born’ and more carols including ‘Good King Wenceslas’.

‘Troika’ was the fast-moving final piece of the first half, conjuring up a picture of a sleigh ride across the Russian Steppes which brought us to the interval.

No one seemed surprised that there had been no featured soloists so far, but the atmosphere was that of a family party in which the band for once was able to relax and enjoy the evening.

The interval was however the apt time to recognise special efforts given by band members over the year and trophy presentations were made to Angus Connell, Percussionist, who was voted ‘Bandsman of the year’, Adam Snape, Principal Euphonium as ‘Player of the Year’ and Matthew Shaw was recognised as ‘Most Improved Player of the Year’.

The light-hearted party atmosphere continued in the second half with the audience active in such favourites as ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Silent Night’, and with ‘Christmas Singalong’ which included ‘Winter Wonderland‘, ‘All I want for Christmas…’ , and ‘Have yourself a Merry Christmas’.

After ‘Oh, Come All Ye Faithful’ and a rousing rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’ it was time for the raffle, in aid of band funds, with numerous prizes organised by the band committee and the proceedings were overseen by John Smith, Band Vice Chairman.

Then followed ‘Let It Go’ from the film Frozen, ‘Santa Claustrophobia’ and the highlight of the evening ‘12 Days of Christmas’ which had the concert room in uproar.

To complete this very enjoyable evening of magical musical moments which was the start of Christmas for many of the customers, the band played Leroy Anderson`s ‘Sleigh Ride’ and the all action ‘Snow Waltzer’ (Shnee Valtzer).

Musical Director Dennis Hadfield thanked those present for being such a wonderful audience and outlined the anticipations of the band for 2019, its 150th year of providing music for Milnrow and further afield.

Officials and committee of the band thanked the officials and staff of Milnrow Cricket Club for the use of facilities and hope that this Annual Christmas Concert will continue to be an event looked forward to for years to come.

Ken Watts, Milnrow Band President said: “The Milnrow Band organisation wishes its supporters all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.”