The concert with Bolton Hoover Band on 7th October was extremely successful.

Both bands looked smart – Stretford in our familiar blue jackets and striped tie and Bolton sporting their bright red concert jackets. The ranks of music stands showed both Bolton and Stretford banners, and the stage was set.

By the time the concert began, it was standing room only. We were all delighted to see this, and in fact when Stretford Band President Kate Green arrived, she was hard pressed to find a seat!

The music conducted by both Craig Mann and Simon Robertshaw in turn, was wonderful – to hear the full sound of a brass band playing their hearts out is stirring to say the least,a nd there was a wide variety of music from old favourites such as “Ellan Vannin” through specialist brass band pieces and tone poems all the way to the children’s favourite, “Beauty and the Beast”.

In the end, we raised over £650 for MacMillan and we would like to thank each and every one of you for making this such a success.

We’re already looking forward to next year – Bolton’s turn to host!