Grimethorpe Colliery Band has once again enjoyed the flash of paparazzi cameras, red carpet interviews and widespread national press coverage following their appearance at a special 21st anniversary screening of the award winning film 'Brassed Off!' .

The band gave a live performance of the score as the film was projected onto a huge multi-media screen at a completely sold out Royal Albert Hall — with the audience giving them an amazing welcome as they took to the iconic stage under guest conductor Ludwig Wicki.

Also joining them on the night were members of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, as over 4500 people once again enjoyed a film that was originally shot in and around Grimethorpe — even though the famous 'National' victory was filmed at Birmingham Town Hall.

Incredible

Band Manager Paul Smith told 4BR: "It has been the most incredible week or so — even by Grimethorpe's standards.

The amount of press coverage was unbelievable — from features with national news papers to interviews on Radio 2 and Radio 5 Live, Good Morning Britain and even a mention in the Daily Mail!"

Blown away

He added: "We've been blown away by all the goodwill messages and the general outpouring of support for the band. We can't adequately express our thanks to everyone and especially those who came along for what was such a wonderful event.

The love for the film is amazing — and the roar that greeted us as we walked on to the stage was staggering. That said, the one that followed 'William Tell' was even louder and simply overwhelming. That reception will live with the band forever."

Gloria

The evening also saw members of the A4 Quartet serenading the stars as they walked up the red carpet, with the Grimethorpe students having the chance to have their photos taken with the likes of Tara Fitzgerald, who memorably played the role of 'Gloria' in the film.

In a recent interview in The Guardian newspaper she said: "I remember the first time we rehearsed with the Grimethorpe Band in the Abbey Road studios, where the soundtrack was being recorded.

When they started to play, I got goosebumps sitting among all that power. There's a yearning, pining quality to brass band music although, of course, it's not me actually playing Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez'. But I was very fastidious about getting my fingers right. It's such a pivotal moment in the story.

It's a beautifully crafted story with a genuine message, but I never expected people to still be stopping me today, telling me it's their favourite film."

It's a beautifully crafted story with a genuine message, but I never expected people to still be stopping me today, telling me it's their favourite filmTara Fitzgerald

Brilliant cast

Paul added: "All the cast were brilliant — having their pictures taken and sharing their memories with us. Tara also wanted to know who was going to play the famous 'Orange Juice' solo on the night, so Jamie Smith was even more thrilled when she made a bee-line to meet him and talk about the solo.

Our thanks to go everyone involved and we are already fielding requests for concerts."

Picture copyright of Andy Paradise. Used with direct permission of the photographer and The Royal Albert Hall.