One year late, but Forfar’s anniversary celebrations were worth waiting for

A one-year delay to their 125th anniversary celebrations did not diminish the enthusiasm with which members of Forfar Instrumental Band finally got to mark their momentous milestone.

It was in early 2020 that the band turned thoughts towards a series of celebratory events to mark the anniversary in 2021. Then Covid struck and all plans were put on hold.

After the players got back together as a brass band – having survived not only a pandemic but also all restrictions to play – they eagerly plotted their celebrations, albeit a little late!

Alan Fernie was commissioned to compose a celebratory piece which would be learnt by the band during a full-day workshop followed by a free concert for the local community.

The Lion of Strathmore proved to be a huge hit with the band and it quickly became another Alan Fernie favourite.

Alan Fernie at the workshop

The workshop was attended by the full band along with a few guests from Dundee Instrumental where the piece was rehearsed extensively, with focus on technique and dynamics, all the while enjoying anecdotes and stories from Alan throughout the day.

The community concert was a roaring success with the added bonus of introducing two new player awards: the Terry Jackson Memorial Award (won by euphonium player Jane Crompton) and the Bruce Dorward Award for the most improved young player (won by percussionist Angus Crompton).

Jim Wishart presented Bruce Dorward with his SBBA life membership award

The band committee also managed to surprise baritone player Bruce Dorward with his Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) honorary life membership award for 50 years service to the brass band movement.

The whole band were also delighted to be presented with a commemorative quaich by Jim Wishart on behalf of SBBA.

The long-awaited anniversary really was a fantastic celebration which will go down in the already long history book of Forfar Instrumental Band!

A commemorative quaich was presented by Jim Wishart on behalf of SBBA