Desford Colliery Band has confirmed that they are to be conducted at the forthcoming Midlands Regional Championships and the British Open Grand Shield contest by Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse

Delighted

A spokesperson for the band told 4BR: "We are delighted to link up with Ian for these two important contests. It also sees him return to Coalville where he was such an admired principal cornet with the band and included him playing on Philip Sparke's 'Variations on an Enigma' when it first appeared.

The rehearsals have really shown our determination to return to the Royal Albert Hall and Symphony Hall."

Desford last won the Midlands Area title in 2022 and last competed in the Grand Shield in 2004.

Thrilling

In response, Ian told 4BR: "It's been a great to walk back into a bandroom where I enjoyed so many memorable moments under the likes of James Watson. Desford was a thrilling band to be a part of then and that hasn't been lost since.

I couldn't have asked for a better piece to return on either although it's still a reminder to us all of just how hard it is to master."