Latest News
VE Day 80th Year Celebrations
Tue 20 May 2025
The band was delighted to perform as part of Macclesfield's Royal British Legion's VE Day Celebrations.
Held at Macclesfield Town Hall, the band was joined by vocalists Sacha Sloane and Dom for a tea dance afternoon.
I was wonderful to see so many people getting up on the dancefloor to waltz and foxtrot the afternoon away!.... and the cakes were pretty good too!
Report from the Rotary Club Christmas Concert
Sat 21 Dec 2024
Here is a report from the Congleton Rotary Club's Christmas concert:
"Rotary's popular Christmas Concert always sets the mood for the season.It was so nearly a complete sell-out performance with only a very few empty seats and the music of Silk Brass and the Eaton Bank Encore Choir delighting the audience.
The Mayor Cllr. Kay Wesley and her consort were guests of Rotary president Ian Robinson, together with Eaton Bank head Mr Ed O'Neil and Marton & District Primary school headteacher Mrs Nevin Deakin.
They heard the Eaton Bank Encore Choir, led by music teachers Sophie Walker and Chloe Travis showcase a programme of seasonal favourites. One of their Year 9 students, Isobel, featured on BBC Children in Need recently as a beneficiary through the Deafness and Sensory Network. Isobel is promoting BSL throughout the school and signed the choir's performance throughout the Concert.
Silk Brass performed to their usual high standard under their charismatic leader Tony Wyatt with a full programme that included 'Frosty the Snowman', Deck the Halls' and a medley of Christmas favourites.
After the interval, the band returned wearing appropriate Christmas headgear and rose to the occasion, with Tony Wyatt stirring the audience into action. They swayed in time and cheered to the 'Schneewaltzer' and sections of the audience, directed by band leader Tony Wyatt sang parts in the Twelve Days of Christmas. The Band duly obliged in their turn, standing with a resounding chorus of '5 Gold Rings'.
Compere Rtn. Rod Goodier thanked the choir and the musicians and made presentations to Sophie Walker and Chloe Travis and also Tony Wyatt.
The concert concluded with the band and choir singing 'Jingle Bells' and were not allowed home until they performed on last and even more seasonal encore."
Remembrance Weekend
Fri 06 Dec 2024
The band were proud to be a part of the nation's Remembrance celebrations once again this year.
On the Saturday, a Concert of Remembrance was held in St Michael's Church in Macclesfield, performing a mix of music, all fitting the occasion.
Then on Sunday morning, the band led the parade as dignitaries, members and veterans of the armed forces and services, alongside the Macclesfield public paid their respects at Macclesfield Cenetaph.
Prize Winners at NEMBBA contest
Fri 06 Dec 2024
The band took part in the NEMBBA contest on 3rd November.
Playing Diadem of Gold by George Bailey, the band were on great form and the adjudicator David Ashworth awarded the band 2nd place on a very tricky test piece.
Soprano cornet player Adrian Horn also came away with the Best Instrumentalist Award for the day.
Last Post Ceremony, Ypres – Belgium Tour
Thu 29 Aug 2024
The band has had a wonderful few days in and around Ypres, Belgium.
As well as playing concerts around the area, we delighted to be able to honour those fallen to help protect us, with a couple of special events.
On Sunday 25th August, we were honoured to play a hymn and The Last Post at Torreken Farm Cemetery, Ypres, to commemorate James Slack and J L Readman, 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Both died in battle on 25th August, 1917.
On Monday 26th August the band were able to march down to the Menin Gate, and take part in the traditional Last Post Ceremony. A moving experience for all concerned.
We will take back many wonderful memories from this band tour.
Silk Brass Annual Awards
Thu 29 Aug 2024
To round off our highly successful tour of Belgium, the band held its annual awards ceremony at the Flanders Lodge Hotel where we had been staying.
Bandsmen of the Year (voted for by the players)
Mike Caveney – 3rd Cornet
Players’ Player (voted for by the players)
Ben Bradley – Principal Cornet
Soloist of the Year
Adrian Horn – Soprano Cornet
Section of the Year
The Percussion Section – Craig Harper & Ben Coldwell
Most Improved Player
Vicki Whittaker – 2nd Trombone
Chairman’s Award
The Core Volunteers – incl:
Jenny Birtwistle, Sue Shreeve, Phil McGraa, David Birtwistle & Jo Ingleby
10 Year Celebration Award!
Tony Wyatt – Musical Director
Well done to everyone (whether you received an award or not!)