THE world famous Leyland Band played alongside Rushen Silver Band at the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday.

 
The concert saw Rushen Silver Band perform a short individual programme before the Leyland Band performed 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, the chairman of Rushen Silver Band, said: "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."

Leyland’s conductor John Doyle, together with three of the band's principals, attended a Rushen Band rehearsal on the Friday night, as well as taking a workshop with Rushen's training band, Ballafesson Brass, on Saturday morning.