As spring unfolds, the world-renowned Black Dyke Band has been busy captivating audiences and celebrating the arts through a series of remarkable performances from February to May 2025. With their exceptional musical talent and unwavering dedication, the band has continued to solidify its status as one of the premier brass bands globally. Here are some highlights from recent times…
Kicking off this vibrant season, the band graced the Salvation Army Centre in Sale, Manchester, in February. The warm embrace of a full house made for an unforgettable evening, where the band expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended. Special thanks go to Jonathan Evans, the local bandmaster, who led two massed band items with infectious energy, leaving a lasting impact on both the performers and the audience. The impeccable organisation and hospitality of the Sale Salvation Army team truly made this event memorable.
In March, the Black Dyke Band took the stage at the Victoria Hall in Bolton, where they performed alongside talented musicians from the Bolton Music Service and Wigan Music Service Youth Band. The collaboration inspired young performers and delighted the audience, earning praise from Mayor Andy Morgan, who expressed immense pride in these budding young musicians. Excitingly, the band will return to Bolton on March 19, 2026, with tickets already on sale for what promises to be another exhilarating evening of brass music.
Also, in March the Black Dyke Band celebrated another contest success at the Yorkshire Regional Championships (see featured photograph). Special congratulations also go to Brighouse & Rastrick and Hepworth for super performances and qualification for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October.
April saw the band participating in the Bradford City of Culture 2025 celebrations, commencing with the launch of the Big Brass Blowout at St George’s Hall. This spectacular event drew a sold-out crowd and featured a thrilling lineup of performances, including contributions from Marty Pellow, Carly Paoli, and the Bradford Cathedral Choir, all hosted by the vibrant Zoe Ball. A recording of this concert by BBC Radio 2 ensures that the magic of the night will resonate beyond its live audience.
Another highlight of the Big Brass Blowout was the unforgettable concert with Richard Hawley, where his iconic sound was perfectly complemented by the full force of the Black Dyke Band. This remarkable fusion made for an electrifying two-night celebration of music that will be remembered fondly by all who attended.
Additionally, the band was recently featured in a major article by Flora Wilson published in The Guardian newspaper, which provided insights into several of the players through interviews and stories, showcasing their individual journeys and contributions to the ensemble.
The band’s presence on the airwaves has also been significant, with features on both BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3. One standout moment was the airing of “Goodnight Girl” by Marty Pellow and the Black Dyke Band, highlighting their ongoing collaboration and commitment to sharing brass music with a wider audience.
Another radio highlight was when the band was featured on BBC Radio 3, showcasing “Milltown Revival,”. This segment, again part of the Big Brass Blowout series, highlights the best of brass band music, airing every Sunday evening.
In late April, the band returned to Bury Parish Church for their annual concert, receiving a warm welcome and a standing ovation that echoed the audience’s appreciation. Following this, an incredible evening at Skipton Town Hall showcased the band’s versatility, culminating in a stunning rendition of “Toccata from Suite Gothique”. With anticipation already building for their return in June 2026, tickets are on sale for another night to remember.
May brought the band back to the impressive Rochdale Town Hall, where they enjoyed a packed audience and heartfelt applause. Gratitude goes to “What’s Occurrin’ Rochdale?” for their continued support, as the band looks forward to another performance on May 14, 2026.
As the Black Dyke Band continues to inspire through their music and community engagements, they remain committed to sharing their passion for brass music far and wide. Stay tuned for more exciting performances and initiatives from this remarkable band as they forge ahead in 2025!
Article: David Nicholson