THE people of Shipston turned out in force for the visit of the Jaguar Landrover Band on Saturday evening. Their joint concert with Shipston Town Band saw the Townsend Hall full to capacity including 30 visiting mayors and spouses guests of Shipston’s Mayor and the band president Ronnie Murphy. Each band played a set on their own before joining together for some massed items. Jaguar Landrover conducted by Dave Lea included a thrilling arrangement of Shostakovich’s Festival Overture, a stunning baritone solo by Andrew Rigby Bluebells of Scotland and a humorous arrangement of Under The Boardwalk which drew sustained applause.

Shipston Town Band conducted by Howard Gibbs included a thrilling march Faith Is The Victory by the American composer James Curnow, Confection For Brass by the Cornish Composer Goff Richards and featured their young solo cornet Luke Barker who drew a standing ovation for his superb performance of Tico Tico.

The two bands joined ranks for the finale and produced a magnificent sound. The march Senator and the beautifully tranquil Ashokan Farewell was followed by an arrangement of the Beatles Classic Hey June featuring the entire horn sections of both bands no less than 8 players. Elsa’s Procession To The Cathedral from Wagners Lohengrin brought the concert to dramatic conclusion.

DAVID BIRCH