Brass bands are mainly found in the Northern regions where the mines and heavy industry are/were located. Lancashire, Yorkshire and Durham all have very strong traditions in this area although it's interesting to note that there are a few in Devon/Cornwall where there were tin mines. I'm registered with a contesting band in Lancashire and have played in several contests including the Whit Friday Marches. The band I'm with (Lostock Hall Memorial Band) are a 3rd section band and so we both play and drink at WhitFriday and make a great evening out of it but the top level bands in the championship section tend to have no alcohol policies so that they can compete for the top places. I can personally attest to JohnB that the tradition is still going strong and being enjoyed by players and spectators alike, even at 11:30pm when you can only see the music during the march down when you pass under a streetlight. Long may it continue!
|