Fresh from their success in returning to the British Open for the first time since 1999, Wingates Band has bid a fond farewell to their solo euphonium player Chris Robertson.

Chris (with MD Paul Andrews above) joined the band three and half years ago and has been an integral part of their success under the baton of MD Paul Andrews — culminating in gaining the long awaited qualification back to Symphony Hall at the Grand Shield in Blackpool last weekend.

Wonderful performer

Paul told 4BR: "Chris has been a wonderful performer for us, and it was apt that he played so well once gain as we returned to the British Open. He feels it's the right time to move on and we all wish him well.

He has displayed so many great attributes as a bandsman and soloist and we are sad to see him go."

Auditions

4BR understands that the band will now look to audition for a new solo euphonium player well ahead of their British Open appearance in September, whilst the band has also gained messages of congratulations from every corner of the banding globe since their success.

"We have had e-mails and messages from all over the world,"Paul added. "It shows that the historic Wingates Band name is one that is recognised and admired."