1st Chandler’s Ford Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades: Successful National Music Festival (Southern)

On Saturday 28th March Chandler’s Ford Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades hosted The Boys’ Brigade Southern National Music Festival at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.

The festival offers all the young people in The Brigades, from across the south of England, the opportunity to participate in performing with one another as well as the chance to have their musical ability recognised.

With every festival building on the success of the last, this year’s was no exception.

Craig Cotton, aged 15, who plays in Chandler’s Ford brass band, said, “The festival is a great chance for me to gain experience and confidence from performing in front of an audience as well as an adjudicator.”

While the festival isn’t competitive an adjudicator gives feedback to all participants on how to improve their musical ability. This year’s adjudicator was Donald Lloyd, who served with the Royal Marines Band Service for over 30 years.

Donald was first class providing feedback to every participant. Thanks should also be extended to all those involved with the organising of the event and the time they have given up.

Chandler’s Ford Boys’ Brigade leader, Diane Farrenden said, “We are always very happy to host the Festival here. It’s a real showcase of children and young people coming together through their love of playing an instrument or singing.” It was a particularly successful year for the Chandler’s Ford Band who scooped the Large Ensemble award towards the end of the day.

Next year’s Southern Festival will again be held at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church on 19th March 2016 and it would be great if you could come along and support your local band.

If you are interested in joining the Chandler’s Ford BB brass band or learning a musical instrument, please contact Bandmaster Simon Farrenden via email: cfbbband@hotmail.com.