Rushen Silver Band was delighted to welcome the world famous Leyland Band to the Isle of Man on Saturday 14th May. Leyland's conductor John Doyle, together with three of the band's principals, attended a Rushen Band rehearsal on Friday night, as well as taking an excellent workshop with Rushen's training band, Ballafesson Brass, on Saturday morning. The full band performed a Gala Concert with Rushen on Saturday night at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas. The large audience enjoyed a short individual programme by Rushen, before an extended individual programme by Leyland – with solos by Philippe Schwartz (euphonium), Matthew Balson (soprano cornet), and a trumpet solo by conductor John Doyle. The finale of the concert featured combined bands and included an arrangement of Tchaikovsky's 1812 and, as a welcome encore, the Gallop from Rossini's William Tell Overture. Thomas Sinden, Chairman, Rushen Silver Band: “The evening was a great success, Leyland’s performance was world class, and everyone at Rushen Silver Band would like to thank their Leyland friends for their invaluable guidance and support during the weekend. “We were most appreciative of the help of the Isle of Man Arts Council, Manx2.com, Sefton Group plc and Zurich International Life for helping make the weekend possible and many thanks also to everyone who attended the concert for their support - a large, receptive audience really added to the evening.” www.rushensilverband.org.im ENDS