Spring Concert heralds band anniversary celebrations

Annan Town Band’s 125th anniversary celebrations get underway on May Day as it presents its annual Spring Concert.

The event at St John’s Church in Dumfries on Friday 1 May will be the first of a series of events throughout the year to mark the milestone of one of Dumfries and Galloway’s oldest musical groups.

Communications officer Charlotte MacKay said: “There are records of a brass band in Annan going back to the 1830s, but we officially became known as Annan Town Band in 1901 and that is really where our full history begins.

“It’s already been an incredible year for the band as we gained another podium placing at the Scottish Championships last month, and our spring concert is the start of a full summer of celebrations for our 125th anniversary.”

Under the baton of resident conductor Ross Bahlaj, the Spring Concert will feature music from the stage and screen alongside some of the band’s favourite popular pieces.

It will also include a performance by Annan Town Youth Band, who will showcase some of the music it has worked on since it started rehearsals in September last year.

Charlotte continued: “Our youth band has made incredible progress in a very short space of time and tbe players absolutely wowwed the crowds at their own concert in Brydekirk last month, so we’re very pleased that they’ll be joining us at the Spring Concert.”

Tickets for the concert are available from Pet Savers in Annan, from band members, or pay on the door on arrival (free entry for under-12s). See SBBA website for more details.