Langholm Town Band’s leading role in anniversary visit of astronaut Neil Armstrong’s sons to the town

2022 is the 50th anniversary of astronaut Neil Armstrong’s visit to Langholm and to mark the occasion Neil’s sons, Mark and Rick along with their families, travelled from America to the town for a series of events to celebrate the occasion.

It was in March 1972 that Neil arrived in Langholm where he was overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome that awaited him.

As a mill town, Langholm’s speciality at the time was quality woollen cloth. A unique Lunar Tartan was created for the visit, a subtle blend of charcoals, browns and light greys to represent the lunar surface, with red running through to indicate the flames of the rocket.

Langholm is also a musical town and a piper wrote a tune to celebrate the occasion, Commander Neil Armstrong’s Moonstep.

The town’s brass and pipe bands marched while the Muckle Toon was packed with people hoping to get a glimpse of the Moon Man, or even better, an autograph. The international press had also gathered for Armstrong’s visit.

Neil Armstrong and his wife Janet were taken from the Town Hall to the Parish Church in a carriage drawn by grey horses. There, in a warm and emotional ceremony, he was awarded the Freedom of Langholm, the town’s first  – and only, to date – Freeman.

During this latest visit by representatives of the Armstrong family, numerous events were held which culminated in the unveiling of a plaque in the town to mark this special occasion. 

A minute’s silence was held to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II before Langholm Town Band played the Star Spangled Banner for the visitors, followed by Highland Cathedral with the Langholm Pipe Band, and finishing off with God Save the King.

Two members who played 50 years ago for Neil Armstrong are still playing today, David Calvert and Robert Laidlaw. Neil’s sons were delighted to have their picture taken with David and Robert along with Lennie Bell MBE from the Pipe Band.

Langholm Town Band are now preparing for the Borders Entertainment Contest under the baton of their musical director Chris Shanks and conductor Rob Hume after an extremely busy calendar of summer engagements.