The Leyburn Band from the beautiful market town in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales has just made an unexpected but exciting performance far from home after being invited to play at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

The band, who have led the GMB Trade Union contingent at the famous Durham Miner's Gala for the last nine years, were requested to perform at a special service commemorating the life of their late President Mary Turner CBE, who died last year.

She was a trade union stalwart who devoted her life to the GMB and the wider Labour movement, with the service held at the world famous cathedral.

Gresford

Under conductor Rebecca Lundberg, the band was requested to play a programme of light music reminiscent of their 'Durham Gala' programme, concluding with the 'Miner's Hymn' 'Gresford'.

It was a great honour to be asked to play at such an important occasion and it was a unique musical experiencePrincipal cornet player, Emma Lundberg

Great honour

Principal cornet player, Emma Lundberg told 4BR: "It was a great honour to be asked to play at such an important occasion and it was a unique musical experience.

We've been delighted by the reception our performance received from many high profile attendees commenting on how great it was to hear the sound of brass in the cathedral."