Hitting all the right notes for Mike’s 80th

By Press Release Apr 26, 2025

An Island brass band fan got the surprise of his life when he was awoken on his 80th birthday by the sounds of Abbey Brass.

Mike Redman couldn’t believe his ears when he heard five members of Abbey Brass strike up Happy Birthday outside his bedroom window. “It was a total surprise and I couldn’t believe it when I looked out the window and saw the band performimg in my garden,” said Mike, of Deauville Avenue, Cowes.

“It sounded really good and was a wonderful start to the day.”

The musical surprise was organised by his wife Penny. She explained: “Mike has been a fan of brass bands for many years so this seemed an approprate way to mark his special birthday. We have seen Abbey Brass perform on the Island and I’m so pleased they were able to help celebrate Mike’s big day.”

The band’s musical director Phillip Littlemore said: “We were delighted to help Mike celebrate his special birthday. It was a very unusual request but it was tremendous fun.