2017 SPRING FESTIVAL BLACKPOOL 13th May, 2017

The band were delighted to be invited to compete in the Senior Trophy at the Spring Festival at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on the 13th May. This new adventure for the band and its supporters began on Friday morning with a ferry journey over to Cairnryan under the excellent steerage of Jeremy at Millennium Travel. An early night saw an early rehearsal on the Saturday morning with the band drawn seventh in the morning draw. The intense preparation of Gilbert Vinter’s ‘Salute to Youth’ under our Musical Director Prof. Michael Alcorn paid off with the band achieving a creditable thirteenth out of the nineteen bands competing. With the last five bands being relegated, this assures the band of a place at next year’s competition.

A huge achievement for a first outing. Congratulations to our soloists, particularly Hannah Copes and Neil Stephenson. Huge congratulations to Dalmellington and Richard Evans on their first place and Laganvale on their eighth place. It was great to be in the same hotel as Laganvale and it certainly added to the vibe!

For some of the band, the celebrations continued well into the night (and morning!!) sampling the delights of Blackpool and amazing the crowds with unique Karaoke performances with accompanying dancers! But by Sunday morning many took to the Tower, were tempted by the Ballroom or enjoyed a stroll along the beach. The journey home was a little quieter!

As always, thanks to Michael for his encouragement, meticulous preparation and energy. Thanks also to Gary Proctor and Wesley Thompson for guesting with the band. Taking the band to Blackpool involved huge efforts by all the members and supporters of the band in terms of commitment, rehearsals, sectionals, organisation and fund-raising. The band thanks everyone.

Now the band moves on to prepare for a busy Summer of engagements.

Photographs from Blackpool 2017

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