The innovative Childs Play collaboration broadcast live on the internet on Saturday evening has been hailed as a great success.

Packed

Over 600 people packed into the hall at Shirebrook Academy School in Derbyshire to enjoy the world premiere of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's composition performed by Black Dyke, Frank Renton, Shirebrook Miners Welfare Band, Shirebrook Academy Wind Band and youngsters from the Academy School and three local primary schools.

Conducted by Prof Nicholas Childs, the work, which was accompanied by a marvellous film produced by Martyn Harris, proved a huge hit with the audience on the night.

Humour and nostalgia

Images of children playing from Victorian times to the present date illuminated two large multi-media screens in the hall to accompany the music, whilst a special narration written by Frank Renton combined humour with dollops of nostalgia to ring a chord with those present.

The broadcast also attracted viewers from all corners of the globe as the Bolsover and Shirebrook areas once again became worldwide focal point for brass banding with its ground breaking link between local councils, arts bodies, education providers, film makers, private home developers, composers and broadcasters.

Fantastic success

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a fantastic success — with a packed hall showing that the local community was completely engaged in the project.

We were also delighted to be able to showcase 'Childs Play' to the world through the live broadcast through the First Art organisation.

The feedback we had on the night was amazing and the viewing figures are once again highly encouraging."

The smiles on people's faces as the band started to play and the images that were broadcast were brilliant. Everyone — both young and old could identity and enjoy the story that was being toldSpokesperson

Thanks

They added: "Our thanks go to everyone involved — it was the culmination of two years of planning and over 10 months of hands on work led by Carole Hirst and involving some truly wonderful musicians.

The smiles on people's faces as the band started to play and the images that were broadcast were brilliant. Everyone — both young and old could identity and enjoy the story that was being told."

Legacy

4BR understands that it is hoped that the project, which was supported by funds through Arts Council England, will now be made available for other organisations to perform, whilst the 'Childs Play' brass band composition will be turned into a condensed version appropriate for contesting purposes.

Image: David Morris