At the close of a beautiful summers day in mid June (yes it’s actually been sunny!) a crowd gather in a field in Nether Alderley. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this was some kind of Pagan Festival as people gather around brightly coloured boxes, chairs angled at 45° with a space of 2ft between each. But you’d be wrong they’re all gathering for the outside performance of VBS Poynton Brass Band and the Beatles Tribute Band.

For those who turn up early enough you can see the Band setting up for a pre show rehearsal and sound check. Cookie (Peter Cookson front row Cornet) conducts the performance of Knight Templar (for those who missed it during Whit Friday!). The sound is astronomical as it bellows through the sound system and wakes up every creature within a 10 mile radius – the wild life won’t know what’s hit them and this is only a warm up!

The Brass and Beatles show is organised annually by the Rotary Club of Manchester in support of Christies Cancer Research and other worthy charities.

After the crowd arrive and set up their ample picnics, the band take their place and Martin Obermuller welcomes one and all to this fine evening and introduces their first piece, the Festive Overture by Shostakovich arranged by Peter Kitson. The crowd are attentive as the band take up their first performance and the sound is electrifying.
The children in attendance are encapsulated by the Band and line up in front of the stage to get the best seats in the house - or should I say field!

After thunderous applause a hush amongst the crowd the Band commence their gentle performance of Gabriel’s Oboe and are certainly well on their way through their first set of the evening and by 8.00pm the Band are ready for a well earned rest while they hand over to the Beatles to perform a selection of hits.

The Band play three sets in all and are joined by Barbara Hancox on vocals for a number of classics such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Pomp & Circumstance which even gives Martin Obermuller a chance to dress up for the occasion in his Union Jack tails.

The spirits are only dampened by a slight downpour around 10.30pm but the crowd aren’t phased by the failing weather – which probably has something to do with the copious amounts of alcohol that have been consumed.

All in all the evening was a huge success and the Band have already been invited back to perform next year.

Karen Howe, June 2003