Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey is the latest high profile convert to brass bands after he attended a recent concert given by Smithills Schools Senior Brass Band.

Man in black

The man in black, who retired as a ref in 2013 and now works on BT Sports football coverage, attended the Smithills Christmas Concert after first hearing the band in action at Bolton Wanderer's Reebok Stadium.

He and his wife Michelle were so impressed that they asked if they could attend a future Smithills event, and sat alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, they described their latest concert experience as ‘inspirational’.

He signed copies of his book at the Smithills concert, money from which is going to the Senior Brass Band’s America 2014 tour fund4BR

Invite

Mark has now invited the band to London in 2014 to perform at major football charity events in which he is involved.

The respected ref’s autobiography was published in September. He signed copies of his book at the Smithills concert, money from which is going to the Senior Brass Band’s America 2014 tour fund.