Black Dyke Band

This is a rare chance to catch one of the world's great brass ensembles in the intimate setting of St Nicholas Church before they take to the Royal Albert Hall stage.

Founded in Yorkshire in 1816, Black Dyke is the most recorded band in the world with over 350 recordings, the most decorated contesting band in history (13-time European Champions, 30-time British Open winners), and in 2020 became the first brass band ever to top the UK classical chart.

Under Music Director Professor Nicholas Childs, the programme shows what brass ensemble can do. Strauss and Paul Mealor in the first half. A solo showcase featuring cornet (Tom Hutchinson on Mendelssohn), flugel (Phoebe Mallinson on Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez) and xylophone (Gareth Hand on Helter Skelter). Malcolm Arnold's Four Cornish Dances and Respighi's Pines of Rome close this thrilling programme.

A world-class band, in a medieval church, closing the 2026 festival.

PROGRAMME

Strauss arr. Banks: Fest Music der Stadt Wien (11’)
‍Paul Mealor: Fantasia on a Theme of Henry Purcell (13’)
- Soloist Showcase -
Mendelssohn arr. Baker: Finale from Violin Concerto (Cornet soloist Tom Hutchinson) (5’)
Rodrigo arr. Bolton: Concert de Aranjeuz (Flugel soloist Phoebe Mallinson) (4’)
W. G. Lemon: Helter Skelter (Xylophone soloist Gareth Hand) (3’)
-
Malcolm Arnold arr. Farr: Four Cornish Dances (10’)
‍Respighi arr. Snell: Pines of Rome
I. Villa Borghese (2’)
IV. March of the Appian way (4’)