After more than a year following the terrible fire which gutted its famous bandroom, a brand new rehearsal facility has been opened for the Fairey Band by Ian Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Fairey Engineering Limited.

New era

In the presence of current and former players, family, friends and supporters – not to mention regional television and local media, the ceremony heralded the start of a new era for one of the most famous brass bands in the world.

The new bandroom, resplendent with a carpet the same colour blue as their band jackets, will provide a 21st century facility for the band who this year celebrates its 75th anniversary.

The new bandroom, resplendent with a carpet the same colour blue as their band jackets, will provide a 21st century facility for the band who this year celebrates its 75th anniversary4BR

Show of gratitude

The ceremony saw the current Fairey Band provide a short concert under the baton of Mark Peacock as a personal show of gratitude to all those people who helped ensure the band remained on the site of its original musical home.

The band performed their signature tune, ‘Beaufighters', 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee' featuring stalwart cornet player, Brian Taylor, before closing with Duke Ellington's 'Caravan' – a neat choice given the band’s rather nomadic travels to find a rehearsal home in the past 15 months.

New hoover

Amongst the guests for the evening were friends from all over the UK, including some who ensured the new bandroom remained spick & span in years to come with the purchase of a new hoover!

Also present was former player and lifelong ‘Fairey Man’ Ray Peacock and his wife, as well as former stars Nigel Beasely, Neil Hewson, Alan Lawton, James Cant, Jim Hunter and Bob Mullholland, whose father played in the band in the 1950’s under the great Harry Mortimer.

Annual Awards

Fairey's also took to the opportunity to present their own annual band awards, with Matthew White receiving the ‘Player of the Year’ trophy and JJ Lees being chosen as ‘Bandsman of the Year’.

Present to record the event was popular television presenter Paul Crone from ‘Granada Reports’, who interviewed Mark Peacock and players from the band before filming the mini-concert.

Television coverage

Well known for his comedy in news items, Paul couldn't resist getting in the act – although you will have to tune in on Friday 3rd February between 6.00-6.30pm to see Paul's unique band audition — that includes the use of the new hoover!