May 9th, 2026 – Brass Roots 2: The Early 20th Century

A Special Mother’s Day Weekend Experience

Celebrate music, history and Mother’s Day weekend with the Mill Creek Colliery Band as we continue our Brass Roots concert series exploring the history and evolution of the brass band.

On Saturday, May 9th, we continue the journey with music from the early twentieth century – a period when brass band music began to emerge as an art form in its own right.

This year, we’re delighted to offer a two-concert format, including a warm and welcoming afternoon performance perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. Treat the mothers and caregivers in your life to a relaxed, family-friendly concert experience, followed by tea, coffee, and light refreshments.

This program features two landmark works written specifically for brass band competition: Labour and Love by Percy Fletcher and Moorside Suite by Gustav Holst. These pioneering compositions helped establish a new repertoire beyond arrangements, showcasing music written for the unique sound and power of the brass band.

Alongside these classics, the program explores music inspired by the Salvation Army tradition of the same era, reflecting the social and temperance movements closely tied to early brass band culture. Audiences will also enjoy beloved British repertoire including Sea Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams and the iconic hymn Jerusalem.

Experience the bold, stirring sounds of a musical tradition coming into its own.