The worldwide appeal of playing with Black Dyke was certainly shown in Leeds on the weekend, when the band was joined on stage not just by players from Yorkshire and the UK, but also from Europe, North America, Australia and Japan at their annual Festival.

Led by Prof Nicholas Childs, the day culminated in a packed Sunday afternoon concert featuring performances from the Yorkshire Area Champion and special guest trombone star Peter Moore.

Also on stage were the Yorkshire Youth, Armthorpe Elmfield and Royal Buckley Bands, as well as the Norwegian Flora-Bremanger Band, the Australians of Tanunda Band and the Mikeneko Ladies Band from Japan. There was even a player from Brass of the Potomac Band from Washington DC who flew in especially for the event.

Worldwide appeal

Festival Administrator Alison Childs told 4BR: "We are always delighted to welcome friends from all over the banding world, but to have players, ensembles and bands from four separate continents continues to show the worldwide appeal of Black Dyke."

Earlier, the festival started with workshops for over 70 players led by Richard Marshall alongside special guest Paul Duffy, Brett Baker and Peter Moore, Katrina Marzella and Helen Varley.

Express themselves

Meanwhile, Prof Childs led a conducting seminar, telling 4BR: "This is the core ethos of the festival. It's Black Dyke's opportunity to showcase our community involvement — one that now stretches to all corners of the banding world.

Getting players of all ages and levels of ability to express themselves, learn and develop means that young stars of tomorrow can enjoy picking up tips alongside experienced players."

He added: "And thanks to the support of our partnership links to Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd of Guiseley, Band Supplies and the British Trombone Society, as well as our initiatives supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, we were able to offer the fantastic opportunity to perform alongside a true world superstar in Peter Moore of the London Symphony Orchestra."

That's what makes the Black Dyke Festival such an important part of our calendar — making new friends and fans not just from around the corner, but also to over 6,000 miles away in OsakaProf Nicholas Childs

Japanese thrill

With Leeds Town Hall packed to its ornate rafters, little wonder there were smiles of disbelief from some of the players who had travelled the longest way to be part of the event, with the Mikeneko Ladies Band from Japan simply thrilled to be taking part.

"We have enjoyed every minute,"their spokesperson said. "It has been unbelievable to play with Black Dyke Band and enjoy their hospitality. We have learnt so much. It has been amazing."

24 hours before the concert the players had enjoyed a trip to the famous Queensbury bandroom, whilst to round off a memorable day they had been invited back for Sunday tea at Prof Childs home.

As the Black Dyke Director of Music added: "That's what makes the Black Dyke Festival such an important part of our calendar — making new friends and fans not just from around the corner, but also to over 6,000 miles away in Osaka."