It’s not often that a brass band can say that they will give a performance to an estimated audience of around 200 million people about 40 times in 11 days, but that is what is likely to happen with Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Jerusalem

The band has provided the ‘anthem’ for the England Commonwealth Games team in Delhi, and so hopefully the sounds of 'Jerusalem' will be heard around 40 times or more should English competitors strike gold.

Sporting glory

Band Manager Terry Webster revealed that although the band couldn’t manage to get to play live at the event in India, they are delighted to be supporting the English athletes in their moment of worldwide sporting glory.

"We were contacted by the English organising committee in July and were asked to provide two verses of ‘Jerusalem’ as the English anthem for the Games. We were delighted to be able to help out and we recorded a special version under Jim Gouraly at Yellow Arch Studios in Sheffield."

Although Jim is a proud Scot, Terry said he didn’t mind at all!

We were contacted by the English organising committee in July and were asked to provide two verses of ‘Jerusalem’ as the English anthem for the gamesBand Manager, Terry Webster

Sound of Grimethorpe

"It’s a wonderful opportunity to be the musical voice of a nation at such a worldwide event. Each time an English competitor or team claims a gold medal the sound of Grimethorpe Colliery Band will be heared too. We just wish we could have been there to play it live!"

Going on past Commonwealth Games it would appear that a Grimethorpe performance will be heard around 40 or 50 times depending on the success of the team.

Keep your ears peeled.