Festive concert is a family affair

And once again the hard working duo of Ted and Morgan Griffiths are combining to make sure that this weekend’s concert by the Hammond Saltaire Brass Band in Batley Town Hall maintains the tradition.

Ted Griffiths of Birstall, set the standard by spending well over 30 years performing with such bands as the Yorkshire Bus Company Band and West Yorkshire Brass Band.

And son Morgan of Gomersal, who plays the euphonium, has followed his example by playing with such prestigious bands as the Black Dyke Band before becoming the conductor of the Hammond Saltaire Brass Band.

Ted used his promotional skills to attract the public of Batley and district when the band first started its series of Christmas concerts in the town hall seven years ago.

But it was the high standard of performance encouraged by son Morgan and the welcome addition of young singers from Batley Parish Church School each year which helped boost the band’s prestige and made it such a firm favourite.

As well as joining in with the carol singing the youngsters will be performing such numbers as Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison, It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas by Mike Wilson and Winter Wonderland by Frank Bernard.

The band will also provide some intriguing numbers to the packed programme including Caribbean Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bells, a selection of Glenn Miller music and a presentation of Christmas Fantasy.

Tickets for the concert on Saturday December 7 cost £10 (£8 concessions) from the town hall or via the internet on www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.