Arklow welcomes the stars

David Thornton leads a trio of star players to Ireland to give the Arklow Band a real boost.

Arklow Shipping Silver Band played host to world class players on the weekend of the 16th September when the people of Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland had the opportunity to hear three of the brass band world's best players in concert when Dave Thornton, Martin Armstrong and Mark Wilkinson paid a visit to the Arklow Shipping Silver Band.

All three players spent the weekend taking group workshops and full band practices with the band, indeed, over 25 hours of playing was squeezed into the weekend. They also enjoy the local hospitality and were made welcome everywhere they went.

On a high

The Black Dyke guys were on a high after winning the 2006 British Open Band Championships the previous weekend thus making them the number 1 brass band in the world.

The weekend cumulated in a concert in the local parish hall (Arus Lorcain) which, everyone agreed, was a thoroughly enjoyable event. Each of the 3 players took turns conducting the band and also performing a solo.

Kevin Fitzgerald told 4BR: "The Band would like to express it thanks to all three players for their efforts over the weekend which will help strengthen the bands playing capabilities for the year ahead."

This was all made possible through a grant made available to the band by Wicklow Rural Partnership and European Union Structural Fund.