Grenadier Guards heading to Saddleworth

Grenadier Guards

The amazing event, which has taken two years of meticulous planning by Saddleworth School music department,  will give villagers a rare opportunity to see the internationally-famous band perform live in two special performances.

Garrath (correct) Beckwith, Curriculum Leader of music at Saddleworth School,  said: “I’m  absolutely delighted to welcome the world famous Band of the Grenadier Guards to the school and Saddleworth area.

“This historic event has been  years in the planning with literally hundreds of emails, telephone conversations and several meetings taking place to bring this wonderful world class military ensemble to our musically-rich community.

“I cannot wait for our students to work with these wonderfully inspiring professional musicians,” he declared.

“I would like to invite as many local residents as possible to come and support this special event for the people of Saddleworth - I really hope you can all make it.

I am very fortunate to have some great friends in fantastic musical ensembles across the globe.

“The majority of these friends have the same musical outlook where we aim to inspire and present opportunities to young people wherever possible.”

The full Band of the Grenadier Guards will parade in Uppermill at 11am on Friday, April 5 and, weather permitting,   host a short, free  outdoor concert on King George V  playing  fields.

In the evening, the school’s music department will be hosting a free celebration concert at 7pm in Uppermill Civic Hall  featuring  the school brass band  and the University of Salford Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

And in an extended second half, the guards will entertain and although  tickets for the concert  have been snapped up , organisers  say in event of any tickets being returned,  please email: g.beckwith@saddleworthschool.org - to be placed on the rapidly growing waiting list.

During the afternoon,  musicians from the Grenadier Guards and student conductors from the University of Salford will host private instrumental performance workshops with brass, woodwind and percussion students from Saddleworth School.

Sergeant Gavin Hall of the Grenadiers guards  band said: “We are very much looking forward to appearing as guests of Saddleworth School and working alongside their students. 

“This event marks a truly historic first for the band who will march along the hallowed streets of Uppermill.”

Programme panel:

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 

11am - 12noon :
Grenadier Guards parade in Uppermill village followed by an outdoor performance in Uppermill Park (weather permitting).
FREE - outdoor event - everyone welcome

7:00pm :
Celebration Concert: Saddleworth School Brass Band, University of Salford Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Band of the Grenadier Guards, Uppermill Civic Hall

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