Leyland’s return to the Royal Albert Hall promised much after the band’s fantastic performance at the British Open Brass Band Championships in September, and a great deal of hard work and excellent preparation for London by the band and Musical Director Thomas Wyss. However, such are the fine margins in competition, the band fell short with a couple of performance mishaps which could not be overcome by the undoubted musicality and interpretation by Thomas. The pouring rain in London summed up the air the of disappointment in the band.

It was good to be on the RAH stage once again though, what a special place this is to perform. And for those Leyland players making their debut at the National Finals this year, something they and the rest of the band will be determined to experience and build on again next year.

Congratulations from Leyland go to the Fodens Band conducted by Leyland old boy Russell Gray, who took the 2018 title.

There is no time to dwell on what could have been as Leyland’s concert program will see the band perform four great concerts across the country before the end of October.