Selby in North Yorkshire boats one of the finest Abbey churches to be found anywhere in England. 

Built in 1069, it’s reputed to be the birthplace of King Henry I, whilst its Norman Nave and Chancel are amongst the finest examples of 12th and 14th Century architecture.

As an aside, it also contains the Washington Window including the heraldic arms of the ancestors of George Washington, the first President of the United States. 

Inspired

As a setting then for a brass band concert it takes some beating – and little surprise that it inspired the Queensbury band under MD Prof Nicholas Childs to give an outstanding concert. 

The sound of a brass band in such an acoustic is thrilling; and right from the opening bars of their famous march ‘Queensbury’ followed by ‘Festive Overture’ the warmth and balance seeped through the air. 

Richard Marshall, now the longest serving principal cornet in the band’s history gave a delightful rendition of ‘Princess Alice’, before the ‘James Bond Suite’ led into Gavin Saynor showing off his best dance steps with Roy Newsome’s witty ‘Bass in the Ballroom’. 

The renditions of ‘Crimond’ and ‘Fire in the Blood’ brought hymnal beauty and Salvationist exaltation to close the first half.

Richard Marshall, now the longest serving principal cornet in the band’s history gave a delightful rendition of ‘Princess Alice’, before the ‘James Bond Suite’ led into Gavin Saynor showing off his best dance steps with Roy Newsome’s witty ‘Bass in the Ballroom’. 

Quality

The second maintained the quality: Solos from Brett Baker (‘Thoughts of Love’); Mike Cavanagh (‘Carrickfergus’) and Dan Thomas (‘Grandfather’s Clock’) offered virtuosity and lyrical beauty before all that missing from the ‘Black Dyke at the Movies’ set was a free bag of popcorn for the listeners.

‘Procession to the Minster’ and ‘Swedish Folk Song’ (How Great Thou Art) were the rousing, well chosen finales.

Andrew Masters