Alford Silver Band will be looking to help people celebrate Lincolnshire Day in style with a free concert.
Lincolnshire Day was first established to commemorate the anniversary of the Lincolnshire Rising of 1536 against Henry VIII’s restrictions of the established church. The rising began in Louth’s St James Church after an inflammatory sermon by the vicar, though it quickly failed, resulting in several executions!
But since 2006, 1st October has been celebrated as Lincolnshire Day – no longer as a protest, but as a celebration of the best that the County of Lincolnshire has to offer. And that includes the Alford Silver Band which has been entertaining the town and its surrounding villages for many years.
This popular community band has gained an excellent reputation for the quality of its music and for the light-hearted entertainment it provides. And under the baton of its youthful and talented musical director, Josh Wilkinson, the band has gone from strength to strength, enjoying a significant following.
“We are very fortunate in attracting sponsorship from Alford Town Council because of the educational work we do with young people, including in local schools,” explained the band chairman, Mike Green. “In recognition of this sponsorship, we aim to perform a number of free concerts in the town during the course of the year. Sadly, we had to cancel our Spring concert at the end of April due to an outbreak of covid within the band; so as Lincolnshire Day this year falls on a Saturday, we decided to put on a free concert to celebrate it.”
The concert will take place in the Corn Exchange in Alford’s Market Place with the doors opening at 7.00 pm and the concert starting at 7.30 pm. Entrance will be free, but there will be a raffle to help defray the band’s costs. And those who wish to will be able to show their appreciation with a voluntary retiring collection.
“Josh has put together a really challenging programme,” continued Mike. “Not all the pieces relate to Lincolnshire of course, though there is some sort of connection with many of them. But it is a very varied programme. There is definitely something for everyone.
“And whilst the band mourns the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth, the concert will also celebrate the accession of His Majesty the King.”
The popular band has enjoyed a busy summer and will soon start preparing for a hectic autumn and Christmas schedule, including having been engaged to undertake a number of private engagements. So the Lincolnshire Day concert will be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the band before it prepares its winter programmes.
Further information regarding Alford Silver Band, including its planned programme for the remainder of the year and its well structured training programme are available from the band secretary, Jane Taylor on 01507 466330, or from the band’s website: www.alfordsilverband.co.uk