New Musical Director is Announced

We are very proud to formally announce Ian Raisbeck as the new Musical Director of Lions Youth Brass. “I am humbled to have been asked to follow in the footsteps of such an icon of the youth brass band scene in Nigel Birch. Lions has been a huge part of my life for the last 20 years, and I will put all of my efforts into continuing the work Nigel achieved for more than 30 years leading the organisation. I was fortunate to sit with Nigel only a few short weeks ago and discuss his hopes for Lions’ future, and I will endeavour to make his hopes come to reality.… Read More

Continue Reading

Nigel Birch

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lions Youth Brass Musical Director, Nigel Birch. No words could ever do justice to the amount of hours and hard work that Nigel put into our organisation. Nigel was our Musical Director for 35 years. He loved each young person that came through Lions as an individual and only ever wanted to see them shine. He enjoyed all concerts and competitions, but he absolutely loved going on tour, socialising with the players and getting to know them better. He cherished every moment spent with the committee, who he was very proud to call his friends. We send our… Read More

Continue Reading

Musical Youth 2022!

We had an absolutely brilliant day yesterday as we performed at the very first Musical Youth Event! Lions Youth Brass played alongside other fantastic musicians from Macclesfield Youth Band, Stockport Schools Brass Band, and the Junior and Senior Jazz Orchestras from Music for Life. It was such a pleasure to sit back and listen to other music groups whilst soaking up the sun and indulging in the delicious crepes! After all the music groups had performed we all came together for the Grand Finale! This was a real treat and a great way to showcase just how brilliant young musicians are. A big thank you to Tony Wyatt and his… Read More

Continue Reading

Lions Return to Congleton Park!

After three long years, we were absolutely thrilled to return to Congleton Bandstand for the the first time since July 2019! The afternoon featured all three of our bands, Debut, Academy & Youth and all sections treated us to a fun, summery programme. Special shout out goes to Jakob who performed his first solo with the band! This is always such a lovely event and this year definitely didn’t disappoint as we looked out from the bandstand and saw a huge crowd with their picnics, family, friends and our four legged fans. We are so grateful to Congleton Lions Club for supporting us for the last 33 years, without this… Read More

Continue Reading

We Stand with Ukraine

Today, Youth band parent, Rob is travelling to Poland to drop off donations to refugees who have had to flee from Ukraine. Thank you to all our players, parents, committee members and supporters who donated towards this very worthy cause. Here is a video of all three of our bands performing the Ukraine National Anthem

Continue Reading

National Youth Championships 2022!

What a weekend…! Lions Academy Band First to play was our Academy Band in the Elementary section on Saturday morning.Programme:1. The Muppet Show 2. Londonderry Air – Soloist, Charlie Kearon 3. The Saddleworth Suite – Pots ‘n’ Pans, Grasscroft Ghoul & Friezland Fiesta 4. Abide With Me 4 Bars Rest said “Lions certainly had a gold hallmark about their set under conductor Tom Hancock, as they opened in a long line with the ‘Muppets Theme’ (with brilliant car horn soloist), before segueing skilfully into the euphonium solo ‘Londonderry Air’ played wonderful by ‘Best Soloist’ winner Charlie Kearon. Their original brass band work, Dave Chapman’s ‘A Saddleworth Suite’, featured great percussion… Read More

Continue Reading

Christmas 2021

5th December – Holmes Chapel Christmas Market We were delighted to be invited along to play Christmas Carols at Holmes Chapel Christmas Market this year, such a lovely event and very well attended by members of the public as well. Organisers of the event wrote to us and said they said they were very impressed by the bands standard of performance and professionalism and they would like us to return again next year! 1st December – Middlewich Light Switch On Our Christmas festivities started on Friday 1st December as we performed Christmas carols for the Middlewich Light Switch on! There was huge crowd which made for a very festive atmosphere.… Read More

Continue Reading

Tickets on sale for annual Christmas Concert

Our annual Christmas concert is back for 2021 and it’s one not to be missed! Come along and hear Christmas classics from all 3 bands (including the usual audience participation)! Price £5 or £3 for under 16’s Tickets are available from:Tim Bramwell – 01270 766638 or timothybramwell@aol.comKeith Ludlam – 01270 762726 or keithludlam1@uwclub.netAlso available from The Market Tavern, Sandbach.Band parents will be able to purchase tickets on a Tuesday evening.  This is our first performance to the public for nearly 2 years, where all our fantastic young players will be performing. The proceeds from the event will go back into the band and other Rotary Charities. We would like to… Read More

Continue Reading