Fairlop Brass Band has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with two major events.

In June they held a gala dinner for current players and long standing supporters alongside guest of honour, band president and founder, Dennis Carney.

They also held a concert at the magnificent Chapel at Trinity College, Cambridge, where past members — including one who made the trip from the USA, enjoyed the band on fine form

Junior

Fairlop emerged from the founding Fairlop Junior School Brass Band in 1968 — the brainchild of the school's music teacher, Dennis Carney. As the players grew older the 'Junior' title was dropped and the band progressed through the senior contesting ranks to include appearances at the National Finals, where in 1995 they were crowned Third Section Champion Band of Great Britain.

They have since released CD recordings, toured Europe and continue to play a hugely important part in their local community — twice receiving Community Award grants to help support their work.

Two conductors

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Incredibly, in the half century we have only been conducted by two MDs — founder Dennis Carney relinquishing the role in 1984, with current MD Kevin Jordan taking over the helm."

They added: "We are also proud to be able to say that membership service of the current band amounts to over 750 years, so we know our formula for musical enjoyment and success works for us."

We are also proud to be able to say that membership service of the current band amounts to over 750 years, so we know our formula for musical enjoyment and success works for usFairlop Brass

Final concert

Fairlop's 50th anniversary celebrations come to an end with a concert at The Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford in November, when once again they hope many former players will be able to return to listen to the current band in action.