By Isle of Wight Observer
Shanklin’s Town Brass Band celebrated their 30th anniversary, since they reformed, at Shanklin’s United Reformed Church (URC) this week, with special guest, IW High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas, and an audience numbering more than 100 people.
URC’s Rev Brian Harley introduced the celebratory concert, with the first half including Battle of Britain, Somewhere Out There, My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Cock up your Beaver, Go the Distance, One Moment in Time, and Born Free.
Conductors on the evening included band co-founders, Malcolm and Karen Lewis, who were also married in the church 25 years ago, and band president, Gil Taylor. Solo performers included Kevin Noble, Ryan Jones, Peter Monk and Charlotte Lewis.
After refreshments, the Community & Youth Band performed New Recruit, Highland Cathedral and African Funk, with the senior band finishing the evening with renditions of Adagio, Chicken Run, Bare Necessities and Haven’t Met You Yet, with an ensemble encore of Sweet Caroline.
Mrs Haig-Thomas said: “It was an incredible and inspirational evening, with the band looking and sounding fantastic, highlighting why they have the local and national reputation they have.”
Karen Lewis added: “The last 30 years have been an incredible journey, with members going onto careers in music, and we really appreciate the help that countless people have given us on our journey.”
Isle of Wight Observer