Thoresby Colliery Band record ‘peaceful and reflective’ lockdown performance in honour of key workers

The ‘peaceful and reflective’ composition also pays tribute to the 266 men who died after an explosion and underground fire at Gresford Colliery near Wrexham, North Wales, in 1934.

A moving video shows fifteen members of the band each recording themselves playing their parts to a backing track - which were then mixed into one track by committee member Mike Pearce.

Euphonium player Mike told how over half of the band’s 26 players were key workers, including NHS workers, teachers and RAF servicemen.

He said: “We wanted to do something for the key workers keeping the country going at the moment but we also thought it would be a nice nod to those who died during the disaster.

“It’s not something we’ve played on a regular basis but it’s quite peaceful and reflective.

“We’re really quite proud of it as an organisation - we do devote a considerable amount of time to rehearsals and practice but we’re amateur musicians at the end of the day.

“Lockdown has been a bit of a strange situation - we’ve had eight engagements cancelled from local concerts in Edwinstowe through to national competitions.”

Teacher Mike said this coming weekend the band - over 70 years old - was due to perform at the national competition in Blackpool.

He said: “We’re the highest-ranked brass band in Nottinghamshire - which is something we’re quite proud of.

“We’re trying to keep that momentum moving forward even during this strange time.”

The band are already planning to release their next video performance over the coming weeks.

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