Christmas is coming early for Porthywaen Silver Band this year. Their popular Christmas Concert, in conjunction with the world famous Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir will be taking place on Saturday 30 November. This event marks the start of the busiest period of the year for the band. They will perform 10 Christmas concerts and eight carolling engagements in the run up to the big day.
The last concert of the festive period will be on 20 December at the purpose-built band hall in the village of Porthywaen. It features the Youth and Training Band and Beginners Band. The concert is always popular as the players get to show off their developing skills and it marks the end of another busy year of concerts and contests.
2019 has been a very successful year for the Youth and Training Band. At Oswestry Youth Music Festival they won three of the instrumental ensemble classes, two percussion ensemble classes and the brass band category. And at Chester Music Festival they won the best youth ensemble and open ensemble classes, best brass band and best overall orchestra or band. Mr Simon Fisher, musical director of the Youth and Training Band said: “I am incredibly proud of what our band has achieved this year. We have really stepped up recently and given some cracking performances and received some great accolades. Our Christmas concert will be exciting and a fitting end to a very successful year.”
The band’s home is in the village of Porthywaen, five miles south of Oswestry and has been in existence since 1934. As well as the senior band, who’ll be performing with the Fron’ Choir, there is a band for the youngsters and adult learners, a beginners band for those just starting out and a small group of starters who learn the basics of playing together and reading music. The band welcomes old players, new players, those who want to come and have a go or who are returning to play after some time away. A warm welcome is promised, which ever group you belong to– just get in touch and the band can advise you on how and when to start. Instruments and tuition are free and there are no subscriptions.
The Senior Band continues to be in demand to support the local community, performing for a number of charity events and supporting local Royal British Legion events. The seasonal highlight – the annual and often sold out – Christmas Concert with the Fron Choir is something for everyone to look forward to. The Band and Choir will perform a selection of Christmas favourites and new arrangements and there’ll be opportunity for the audience to join in with the carols.
The Christmas Concert with the Fron Choir is taking place at Holy Trinity Church Oswestry on 30 November. Tickets cost £10 and include light refreshments and are available from The Guildhall, Oswestry, and Rowanthorn (4 Chapel Court, Oswestry), by calling 07919407937 or 07775 068202, or from the Fron Choir website. The concert starts at 7.30pm and doors open at 7pm. Beware that this concert frequently sells out, so get your tickets in advance!
The Youth and Training Band and Beginners Band Christmas Concert is on the 20 December at The Band Hall, Porthywaen. Tickets are £5 on the door (children free) and include light refreshments. Door open 7pm and the concert starts at 7.30pm.
For more information on where you can catch Porthywaen Band over the Christmas period visit the Engagements page of the band web site www.porthywaensilverband.co.uk
