It has been announced that the five-year musical partnership between Flixton Band and MD Matt Ryan has come to an end.

During that time the band established itself in the First Section in the North West following their promotion in 2019, claiming a top-six finish at the Area contest in 2020 and enjoying the experience of their appearance at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade in 2022.

Huge asset

The band stated: "Matt has been a huge asset to us over the last five years, enjoying considerable success both with the band and personally in winning the Brass Band Conductors Association Award in 2023.

We will miss Matt enormously — his energy, his passion, and especially all those funny noises he makes. He will be leaving with all our love and best wishes, and we look forward to keeping an eye on his progress and endeavours in the future. He will always be welcome back in our band room."

Final appearance

Matt's last engagement with the band will their appearance at Boarshurst Band Club on Sunday 2nd July.