A leading Nottinghamshire brass band that feared for its future at the end of 2023 is preparing to mark its 50th Anniversary as Newstead Brass present a ‘Brass Spectacular’ concert at Mansfield Palace Theatre on Sunday September 29th at 2.30 pm.
Newstead Brass launched a ‘Brassed up for 24’ fundraising campaign in November 2023 as the economic crisis reduced income for bands with fewer bookings for concerts and potential audiences cutting back on leisure time spending whilst expenditure on rehearsals, insurance and professional leadership continued to rise. The campaign gained media coverage on local radio and regional television leading to a flood of donations both large and small, which,alongside the band’s Christmas concerts and fundraising activities, raised a five figure total to stabilise the band’s financial position and future plans.
The ‘Brass Spectacular’ event will see Newstead Brass mark their 50th anniversary with a wide variety of music showcasing the best of brass. It marks a long overdue return to the Mansfield Palace Theatre for Newstead Brass after performing there for stage productions of Brassed Off and the community production of ‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’. The band are delighted to be joined by Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir, celebrating their 80th birthday this year. The band and choir will each perform separately before joining for a spectacular joint finale.
Tickets cost £12, with a concessionary rate of £10 from the Mansfield Palace Theatre Box Office (01623 463133 or https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/events/event/2150/brass-spectacular)
Band secretary Mike Allcock, who has been with the band for over 45 years said, “We’re so grateful to everyone who gave money or offered other support for the band at the end of last year. There’s still a huge fondness for the sound of brass and the mining heritage of the area that many bands, including Newstead, represent. We’re looking forward to marking our 50th anniversary and continuing to be popular and successful for many years to come.”
“The band have confirmed the appointment of renowned Martin Heartfield as our musical director and we’ve seen some of our best contest results over the last year complemented by some very well received concert performances and we’re sure the audience for our Brass Spectacular are in for a treat!”
Mansfield 103.2's Tony Delahunty caught up with their Musical Director Martin Heartfield ahead of their big celebration this week on our Watko In The Afternoon programme. You can hear that interview again below
Mansfield 103.2 Afternoon News - 221124
