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The Band standing with "the boys" out side the Coronation Hall 2009
Ulverston Town Band will be playing a big part in the Ulverston Celebrates event that will mark the re-opening of the Sir John Barrow Monument on Sunday, August 22 and ensuring that it continues a tradition stretching back to the mid nineteenth century.
The band played at the laying of the foundation stone that marked the start of the Monument’s construction in 1850, when Ulverston chose to remember one of its most famous sons – high ranking naval administrator and traveller, Sir John Barrow - by building a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse on Hoad Hill. This was the first documented performance of the band.
In 2000, music from the Ulverston Town Band also accompanied Millennium year celebrations around the Monument.
On Sunday, the band will be playing at Ford Park, where it has three different time slots, as part of the celebratory Monumental Gala taking place there. This lively event will also feature songs and tales of the sea, specially commissioned songs performed by local musicians and singers, entertainment from the Bread & Butter Theatre Company, story-telling, clog dancing, sea shanties, Punch & Judy, donkey rides, ferret racing, stalls and rides, paella and a commemorative beer called Monumentale!
In the evening, there will be a barn dance with a difference called Hoad Down! at Lanternhouse in Ulverston and then a fabulous fireworks display centred on the Monument at around 10pm.
Gill Benjamin, speaking on behalf of the Ulverston Town Band, says: “The Ulverston Town Band has been an integral part of community life in Ulverston for over 150 years. Its members represent the essence of our community, coming from all walks of life and age groups and sharing a love of brass band music.
“The band’s history is inextricably linked with that of the Sir John Barrow Monument and I am delighted that it will be helping to celebrate this iconic landmark’s re-opening with several performances during the day”.
The performance on Sunday will come one day before an open day, to be held at the Band Room, Canal Head, on Monday, August 23. The open day is being staged in an attempt to encourage more brass playing musicians to join the band, whether juniors (aged over 8) or adults. Information on rehearsal times and other information will be available between 10.30 and 14.30 and 19.00 and 20.30 on this day. Alternatively, those interested can contact Gill on 01229 585871 or Sam on 07714211385 or email vacancies@ulverstontownband.co.uk
More information about the Ulverston Celebrates event can be found at
www.ulverstoncouncil.org.uk/monument.php