The Old Silkstone 'Big Band' recently turned back the musical clock for a wonderful 'Yuletide Brass' event alongside swing time sweethearts 'The Bobby Pins'.

Blitz

The locally held concert, in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Sheffield Blitz in the Second World War, was a huge success — full of the glamour and big band sounds of the 1940's.

Players dressed to impress as they were joined by the singing trio in a programme of music that included Michael Buble's 'Jingle Bell Swing' and 'Three King's Swing', as well as classics such as 'Christmas Song' and 'White Christmas' and joint items all arranged for the evening by MD Sam Fisher.

Tip top form

Leisa Mallaleui Ingman was on tip-top post-horn form with 'Yuletide Galop' and solo euphonium Rob Williams gave a heart warming rendition of 'O Holy Night'.

The audience were treated to mulled wine and mince pies and enjoyed a good old fashioned Christmas sing-a-long, whilst the children were kept busy with Christmas crafts, colouring and of course plenty of opportunities to play the sleigh bells!

Great evening

MD Sam Fisher told 4BR: "It was a great evening, well received by a very appreciative audience — and to have the opportunity to work alongside 'The Bobby Pins' was an absolute pleasure.

With festive favourites and entirely new arrangements, the band once again successfully demonstrated their innovative approach to brass band concerts."

With festive favourites and entirely new arrangements, the band once again successfully demonstrated their innovative approach to brass band concertsMD, Sam Fisher

New signings

Further good news also came the early Christmas present of winter signings. The talented Toni Durrant will take the solo baritone seat with cornet player Ian Schofield taking to the front row, just in time for the busy Christmas period and the start of the 2016 contest season.

Also joining is Jennie Fisher on tuned percussion and soon to be husband and wife team, Tim Freebury on Bb bass and Kit Biggins on cornet, who will team up with recent signings of principal cornet Leisa Mallaleui Ingman, Lindsay Newbould also on cornet and Helen Tomlinson on euphonium.