Tredegar will head to the final major championship of year this weekend as they take part in the Brass in Concert Championship at Sage Gateshead on Sunday.

However, they will also be performing at All Souls’ Church in Netherton, Maryport on Saturday evening (7.30pm) in a concert that has been organised by the wonderful brass band enthusiast Parker Wilkinson.

First band

Parker also happens to be a former conductor of the Flimby Saxhorn Silver Band – the first band that Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse learned to play with growing up in the area.

Not surprisingly then, Ian is looking forward to bringing his band up to entertain his home audience - especially as his father Jim and members of the Porthouse family will be coming along to listen.

Parker is a brass band legend in Cumbria, and a man who countless players, including myself, owe a huge debt of gratitude to.  His enthusiasm and love for brass bands is amazing and it’s a real honour to be able to bring Tredegar up here to give a concert - Ian Porthouse

Nerves

“I don’t really get nervous about concerts, but on this occasion I think I will be,” he said. “Parker is a brass band legend in Cumbria, and a man who countless players, including myself, owe a huge debt of gratitude to.  His enthusiasm and love for brass bands is amazing and it’s a real honour to be able to bring Tredegar up here to give a concert.”

He added: “I know the band will have a wonderful time, and I’m delighted that we can showcase our Brass in Concert programme to a very knowledgeable brass band audience less than 24 hours before we head to the contest.”