Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs rounded off 2019 with another accolade to his name.

1000th appearance

The band's concert appearance at the Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo in November marked his 1000th concert appearance with him at the helm since he was appointed to the role in June 2000, with the landmark recognised by the presentation of a special plaque at one of the last concerts of the year in Huddersfield (below).

It is understood that he now stands only in the shadow the great Arthur Oakes Pearce who was Bandmaster at the Queensbury band from 1912 to 1948.

It has always been the greatest honour to direct Black Dyke — be it on the contest or concert stages, broadcasts, recordings or special events and projectsProf Nicholas Childs

One thousand and counting...

Prof Childs has since added to the number during a busy Christmas period with the first concert of his 21st year in charge to take place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Sunday 12th January (2.30pm)

He told 4BR: "It has always been the greatest honour to direct Black Dyke — be it on the contest or concert stages, broadcasts, recordings or special events and projects.

That is something I have always held of singular importance and with respect to those great conductors who have led the band since its formation.

The 1000th appearance is a personal landmark to be proud of, but it has always been the quality of the collective music making that has made conducting Black Dyke even more important — and that occurs on every single performance."