The Principal Percussion seat is generously sponsored by Ken & Grace Lazenby

Ben grew up on Anglesey, North Wales in the seaside town of Beaumaris. The small town has had its own brass band since the 1920’s but due to dwindling numbers in the early 80’s the town band was close to collapse.

The then band secretary Mr Robert Lewis, and Mr Fred Evans decided that the only way to guarantee a band for the future was to arouse the interest of the young children at primary school level. Ben was one of these school children who, at the age of six, joined the band on cornet.

Ben grew up with the Beaumaris Band and was lucky enough to enjoy their success as they rapidly rose from the fourth section all the way up to the championship section. During this time, Ben moved from the cornet section to the tenor horn, spending some time as the bands solo horn, before moving to the percussion section at the age of thirteen. As well as the Beaumaris band, Ben also played percussion with the Gwynedd county band and the national youth ensemble of Wales. Ben went on to study Chemistry at University and after obtaining his PhD, moved up to the North West to work near St. Helens. In October 2006, Ben joined the Leyland band as they returned to defend their national title at the Royal Albert Hall. Since then, Ben has enjoyed performing and touring with the band from venues all over the UK to magnificent concert halls abroad.

Ben says…“To be able to perform at some of the most impressive concert venues in the world, while doing something you enjoy so much, is the one of the most rewarding parts of banding.”