Fresh from their runner-up finish at the Brass in Concert Championship at Sage Gateshead, Carlton Main Frickley has announced that it has gained additional artistic support, with award winning choreographer Gary Clarke and Music Director, Steven Roberts accepting invitations to become Honorary Vice- Presidents.

Close relationship

Carlton Main has enjoyed a close relationship with the duo since being invited to be part of Gary's multi-award winning dance show, COAL in 2015.

COAL marked the 30th anniversary of the end of the 1984/85 British Miners' strike, presenting a riveting theatrical experience that explored the underbelly of the mining industry; one which today is recalled with rather misplaced nostalgia.

It won the 'UK Theatre Award 2016' and the 'Critics Circle National Dance Awards' for 'Best Independent Company', with Carlton Main involved in performances over a three year period from Doncaster and Barnsley to Canterbury and even in heart of the Rhur mining industry in Recklinghausen in Germany.

Having live brass on stage created a unique opportunity to combine two great art forms and Frickley have been with us from day oneGary Clarke and Steven Roberts

Incredible experience

Band Manager, Robert Browne told 4BR: "It's been an incredible experience. We can't thank Gary, Steven and all of the COAL family enough for letting us be a part of it. We saw the appointments to Honorary Vice Presidents the perfect way to say thank you."

Privilege

In response, Gary and Steven spoke of their pride in the new connection: "Having live brass on stage created a unique opportunity to combine two great art forms and Frickley have been with us from day one. We both feel privileged to now become a small part of the Frickley family."