Live Music community award for Riverside Youth

Riverside Youth Band has received the Live Music prize at this year’s Greenock Telegraph Community Champion Awards. The accolade was made after deliberations by a panel of judges including politicians, business leaders and other prominent figures from across Inverclyde.

It is the second time Riverside has won the award, having previously triumphed in 2017.

The band also performed at the glittering awards ceremony on the night in front of a packed audience in Greenock Town Hall, with the event hosted by Scottish TV and radio personality Jennifer Reoch.

Reflecting on the evening, musical director Mark Good commented: "Riverside Youth Band is so proud to be from Inverclyde and enjoy representing the area wherever we go - but it was extra special to be able to take to the stage in front of a packed Greenock Town Hall for this wonderful event.

"We're extremely grateful to the Greenock Telegraph for its continued support, shining a spotlight on our work as we strive to continue providing opportunities through music for young people across Inverclyde and beyond."

The award win came in a successful year for Riverside with its Youth and Training bands having both been crowned Scottish youth champions in Perth in November.

Duncan Galbraith, chairperson of Riverside Youth Band, said: "Winning the Greenock Telegraph Community Champions Live Music Award is a huge honour. From the youngest to the most experienced, members of Riverside perform with pride and professionalism when they don their RYB waistcoats and we're absolutely delighted that they have been recognised in this way, during what has been another busy and successful year."

Now, attention turns to Riverside's summer concert on Friday evening in Port Glasgow Community Campus, at which it will welcome special guests, reigning Scottish Champions the cooperation band.

Tickets for the event cost £10 (under 12s free). There will be a raffle, and tea and coffee at the interval. You can book tickets in advance here.