On Saturday 3rd October Ferryhill Town Band will be celebrating 100 years of existence with a concert at Durham Town Hall featuring David Thornton.

Ferryhill Town Band was formed by the miners of the Mainsforth Colliery in 1909 and named the Mainsforth Colliery Brass Band. After several changes of name the band settled as Ferryhill Town in 1994.

Also as part of the celebrations the band recorded their new CD during February. The music that will feature on the CD ranges 1909 right up to present day with a new commission "Angel of the North" by Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

David Thornton commented, “It’s a great achievement for any band to be celebrating a 100th Anniversary and Ferryhill is a real community band, the ages of players range from 10 to 60 years and they are a hardworking, close-knit group. I’m looking forward to the concert!”

The concert will feature the Black Dyke euphonium star playing Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s ‘Variations’, Philip Wilby’s ‘Rock’ (for euphonium and electronics) as well as traditional repertoire – ‘Grandfather’s Clock’ and Stanley Boddington’s ‘Endearing Young Charms’.

The band will also be treated to a workshop with David Thornton on the Saturday morning, featuring key playing, ensemble and performance skills as well as preparation for the evening concert.