In the whirlwind of the festive season, there’s something magical about stumbling across a brass band—they always seem to appear just when you need them most.
This time, though, I sought one out deliberately, attending The Spirit of Christmas at Morley Town Hall on a Friday night. My 21-year-old self would have been horrified at this turn of events. But now? She can pipe down, because it was incredible.
The theatre was a symphony of royal red, with the band in their finest, most immaculate dress uniforms. Their golden instruments caught the light, glinting like they were sharing a cheeky, charming smile with the audience.
The programme was a glorious mix of pieces: The Polar Express by Alan Silvestri, the lively Nordic Polska (inspired by Roald Dahl’s skiing escapades, apparently), and a medley from Wicked that left both me and my friend in tears. Actually, we were crying from the first note of Festive Intrada by Ben Hollings—and, as the youngest people there by about 40 years, we were probably the most emotional, too. Whether it was the powerful music reverberating through us or the sheer joy of the older audience, honoured to witness their British Army Band, it was impossible not to be swept up.
One standout moment was soloist Lance Corporal John Innes performing Bass in the Ballroom. No pun intended, but he blew us away. The piece transported me straight back to my Nana’s living room, where I’d flail around in my socks trying to imitate Lord of the Dance performances on the TV. Nana, bless her, would just smile—probably imagining her own moment of Riverdance glory.
This brass band evening was exactly what my friend and I needed after a chaotic week. If you’re lucky enough to cross paths with a brass band this Christmas, pause and soak it in. And if you don’t happen upon one, make the effort to find a performance. It might just be the unexpected dose of magic you didn’t realize you needed.
British Army Band Catterick – you’ve set the bar high! Thank you and a very Happy Christmas to you and to your families.
Photographs taken by Robyn Wilson.
