The Coalburn Band organisation is looking forward to what promises to be the most memorable year in its long history.

In early March over 70 players from their various ensembles will take part in a concert in Lesmahagow, featuring contributions from the Children's Band, Bronze Band, Percussion Academy and Intermediate Band — the latter previewing their programme for their forthcoming non-competitive Scottish Championship 4B Section appearance in Perth.

Scottish Championships

The evening will be rounded off by the senior Silver Band performing their First Section Scottish Championship set-work, 'The Land of the Long White Cloud' conducted by Gareth Bowman.

Following the Scottish Championships, Coalburn Silver Band will then start their preparations for their appearance in the Challenge Section of the European Championships in Ostend in late April.

Pinnacle

And according to their Band President, Alan Court, their trip to Belgium to represent Scotland will be the pinnacle of the band's proud history.

"We are honoured to be representing Scotland at the European Championships,"he said. "It was a late invite, but the band members felt it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are already well into the planning and need to raise significant funds to allow us to attend."

It was a late invite, but the band members felt it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are already well into the planning and need to raise significant funds to allow us to attendBand President, Alan Court

Fund raising

That fund-raising will include a quiz night at St. Johns Parish Hall, Blackwood on 24th March with great prizes and a raffle. Teams of up to six people are warmly invited to attend. Entry costs are £3 per person and starts at 7.30pm.

For more information about the band, visit: www.coalburnsilverband.co.uk