The life of one of UK banding’s finest principal cornet players is to be celebrated in a concert in support of Macmillan Cancer Support next month.

Highly respected

Bryan Tait, who died earlier this year, was the highly respected principal cornet of Reg Vardy for 29 years, before going on to enjoy further successful spells playing with Brighouse & Rastrick and NASUWT Riverside.

A prize winner soloist at Brass in Concert and numerous other contests he also enjoyed success as conductor, leading the NASUWT Youth Band to the National Finals after winning the Fourth and Third Section North of England Area titles.

Concert

Bryan’s children Charlotte and Phillip, who has now taken over the principal cornet role at Reg Vardy, have organised the concert to be held on Saturday 1st November at Stanley Civic Hall, featuring the massed bands of Reg Vardy and NASUWT Riverside, as well as the Gibside Singers.

The featured soloist will be Tredegar principal cornet Dewi Griffiths, whilst the concert will be conducted by Richard Evans.

Life in banding

Phillip Tait told 4BR: "It's the best way in which to celebrate our father’s life in brass banding — one which he enjoyed every single moment of.

The concert promises to be an exciting evening of music with something for everyone and, with all of the proceeds going to support the work of Macmillan Cancer Support, who do so much and whose support to our family was incredible, it’s not to be missed.”

It's the best way in which to celebrate our father’s life in brass banding — one which he enjoyed every single moment ofPhillip Tait

Time and place

The concert is on Saturday 1st November at Stanley Civic Hall, commencing 7:15pm.

Tickets cost £5.00 and are available in advance from Phillip and Charlotte on 07730 337393/ 07730 372315 or 0191 3750478.