Brighouse & Rastrick commenced their 125th Birthday celebrations in fine style with a concert at Huddersfield Town Hall on March 25th. B&R have performed in this venue at the highest level for decades, but on this occasion the audience were in for a real treat with James Gourlay at the helm and David Childs as their guest soloist.

Following Sullivan's overture, '91Yeoman of the Guard' came '91Fascination Waltz' by Marchetti, the first of three arrangements to be played on the night by Eric Ball. B&R's performance was delightful on the ear and on a night when the emphasis was on light entertainment, it was the perfect choice.

David Childs of course needs no introduction at all. Like his father, Robert, he graced the principal euphonium seat at Brighouse for several years and became the band's youngest ever soloist when he joined them as a sixteen year old in 1997. During his time with B&R they enjoyed one of their most succesful periods winning the National Championships of Great Britain, the European Championships and the All England Masters, all in the same year,

James Gourlay, who was in superb form as MD and compere told the audience they were in for a treat, but even he was blown away by the musical brilliance of the young man on the night. David chose four familiar standards from his substantial repertoire; four standards they might have been but four fantastic interpretations. Grandfathers Clock, Myfanwy, Carnival of Venice & Brilliante all polished off within the blink of an eye.

Other items featured on a highly entertaining programme included; Dvorak's overture '91Carnival', Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'West Ridings', James Gourlay's 'Scottish Cradle Song' and a Big Band set comprising of '91Caravan' and 'Blue Rondo a la Turk' featuring an in form Alan Morrison in full flow.

The finale to the concert was 'Suite Gothique' but the capacity audience would not let the band leave the stage without an encore or two. So following the popular '91Radetzky March' the band brought the house down with the piece for which they are world famous and a piece that no B&R concert is complete without, '91The Floral Dance'.

BBC Radio 2 recorded this fine concert and highlights are due to be broadcast on their Listen to the Band programme in the near future.

Malcolm Wood