The Leyland Band has played their part in remembering the sacrifice of numerous 'Pals' regiments from the North West that fought in the First World War.

Pals March

The band joined forces on the weekend with East Lancashire Concert Band to perform in a special 'Pals on Parade' concert held in Chorley Town Hall, where at the request of historian and organiser Stuart A Clewlow (above), they gave the first performance of a special brass band arrangement of 'The Pals' march.

This event formed part of the Somme Centenary commemorations, and in particular recognised the sacrifice made by the Accrington Pals (made up from many recruits from Chorley) who endured heavy casualties.

'The Pals' march was composed in 1914 for piano by Ralph Sanders and was subsequently archived in Accrington Library4BR

Celebrate recruitment

'The Pals' march was composed in 1914 for piano by Ralph Sanders and was subsequently archived in Accrington Library. Early in 2013 it was arranged for East Lancashire Concert Band by Nick Holme and was later broadcast by BBC Radio Lancashire.

It's believed that it was almost certainly written to celebrate the recruitment of the 'Pals' battalions in response to Lord Kitchener's appeal at the outbreak of the War. The music reflects the optimistic mood of the time and the feeling that the conflict would be over by Christmas.