The impressive rise of brass playing at Bolton Music Service continued last Friday, with a joint concert featuring the Bolton Intermediate Band conducted by Toby Hobson and the Wigan Intermediate Band directed by Dave Wilson.

80 players

The event which was held at Aspull Civic Hall, saw over 80 players perform on each half and was a repeat of a similar concert held last year.

Both Bolton and Wigan Music Services enjoy progressive brass band set ups, with Bolton attracting over 200 children to five bands every week.

Both Bolton and Wigan Music Services enjoy progressive brass band set ups, with Bolton attracting over 200 children to five bands every week4BR

Bright future

It appears that the future is certainly bright for banding in the two neighbouring local authorities.

Bolton has attracted and retained 50 new players annually through their Brass Band Studies Department, and recently sent two bands to the National Youth Brass Band Championships.

Plans are already in place to send the 60 strong Beginner Band to the competition next year.