It was a beautiful (hot!) weekend for the Whaley Bridge Rose Queen Festival, where the Whaley Bridge Senior and Training Bands lead the procession through town on Saturday. It was fantastic to march through the town to such an appreciative crowd - and even more fantastic that it didn't rain! And the rain held off again for the Training Band's concert before the Well Dressing on Sunday, where they provided entertainment before and after the blessing with Javan Carrington and Christian Boon performing solos, and the front row cornets Dillon, Holly, Javan and Aiden playing a cornet quartet. The training band were joined by three members of the senior band - Sarah Tolley on euphonium, Robert Oakes on cornet, and Lindsay Oakes on flugel, and we would like to thank the band for having us! Pictured below is the Well Dressing, and a special Dressing for the Whaley Bridge Band 150th Anniversary. Designed by local artist Rosemary Wignall, the 2015 Whaley Bridge Well Dressing showcases brass and percussion instruments framing the Band’s famous “Bridge” logo. Chair of Whaley Bridge Well Dressers, Carol James, said “We are delighted to join Whaley Bridge Band in celebrating their landmark 150 years. The small but dedicated team of “dressers” have given their all over the last week to produce this magnificent display, and I would like to convey sincere thanks to everyone involved”. All at Whaley Bridge Bands would also like to thank the Well Dressers for making the display - it looks stunning, and is perfect for the front page of our website! Reverends Margaret Jones and Keith Sandow said prayers and gave blessings for both the Well Dressing and the town, and Town Councillor Martin Thomas shared some interesting facts from the band’s history. Whaley School Choir added their own tribute with a hearty rendition of “Come Follow The Band” and the last words were in verse when Anne Oldfield, Second Cornet player, recited her own poem specially written for the occasion, entitled “Whaley Bridge Band –The Best in the Land.” Thank you to Peter Cull for providing photos of the Carnival and Well Dressing - more photos from the weekend can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/petercull
The rain just about held off for our hour-long slot at the Whaley Water Weekend as we played to our appreciative audience in the canal basin. Our varied program included popular music, such as Hey Jude and Skyfall, as well as classical pieces, with the Grand March from Aida by Verdi, and a movement from Bizet's Carmen. Below are photos from the afternoon, taken by Peter Cull. More photos from the weekend can be found on his flickr account, at https://www.flickr.com/photos/petercull
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