Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band tunes up for traditional festive show

RICH festive music is to fill the air at an annual brass concert.
Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band will perform their Christmas concert on Saturday, December 10, at Middleton-in-Teesdale Village Hall.
Band stalwart David Dye hung up his baton earlier this year leaving manager Dick Parker to take the reigns.
The tenor horn player revealed rehearsals were well underway.
“It will be fairly traditional with carols, Christmas tunes and a few brass band favourites,” said Mr Parker.
“We have got a number of kids from the local area – we’ve already had two go on to do music at university in the last three of four years.”
Mr Parker, from Newsham, said he picked up his horn after a 45 year hiatus.
With an age gap in need of filling, he encouraged lapsed musicians to give brass another a go.
“It’s a lifetime interest,” said Mr Parker.
“There are youngsters and older ones but not much in between – if anybody has played an instrument, and is interested, they’re quite welcome to come along on Thursday nights at the village school from 7.30pm.”
Silver bands have been performing in some way, shape or form since the early 19th century in Teesdale with nine separate groups during its early 20th century peak.
As bands fell away, Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band hoovered them up and is now a staple at community events.
“We have become a tradition at fetes and fairs,” said Mr Parker.
“We play at two churches regularly and we hope to have a full programme through the year.”
Other shows lined up  include Mickleton Village Hall on December 14, and a Christmas Eve concert at Forest-in-Teesdale before concerts in Mickleton and High Etherley next year.
Soft drinks and refreshments will be available at the Middleton performance but those attending are welcome to bring their own alcohol. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are available from Middleton-in-Teesdale bookshop and the tourist information centre.
For more information, contact Mr Parker on 07986 042742.