One of the UK’s most historic brass bands will providing some “musical magic” at a Christmas carol sing-along in Wrexham.
The Royal Buckley Town Band will be playing at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre from 6.30pm on Thursday, December 17.
They will be accompanying the Glyndwr University Community Choir and festive shoppers will also be joining in around the shopping centre’s Christmas tree.
The band was formed in 1822 and is only one of four brand bands in the UK to be allowed to use the “Royal” title – the others are the Royal Oakley from Blaenau Ffestiniog, the Nantlle Vale Royal and the Royal Doulton from the Potteries.
One of their claims to fame is that they were regularly summoned to Hawarden Castle during the late 19th century to play for the four times Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone.
The hugely popular free event will be hosted by Steve Dwight, one of the presenters at the local community radio station, Calon FM.
Choir spokesman Howard Moysen said: “We were established in 2009 and we have approximately 55 members. It’s an open choir, which means we don’t have auditions.
“Directed by Owen Roberts, who was the accompanist to the Froncysyllte male Voice Choir for many years and still serves as their deputy choirmaster, we aim to perform at least one major choral work each year.
“He also works as musical director for Llangollen Operatic Society and has his own choir, Choral Variations. He’s a pretty busy man!
“As well as appearing at Eagles Meadow we also have an Advent concert in St Giles Church, Wrexham at 7pm on Saturday, November 28. We will also be performing excerpts from Handel’s Messiah.”
He added: “We always enjoy performing at Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre, this will, I think, be our third year. It’s a lovely atmosphere and its fabulous seeing children, parents and other shoppers joining in.
“No one is going to be judging singing ability it’s just about joining in enjoying the event and really getting into the spirit of Christmas.”
According to Steve Pugh-Jones, the chairman of the Royal Buckley Town Band, they’re looking forward to appearing at Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre.
He said: “It’s always a cracking event. Shoppers stop in the tracks and many join in which is fabulous.
“We won’t be collecting for charity but any donations we get will go toward renovating our band room.
“We are trying to create an area for our junior section; somewhere they can gather and learn social skills when they aren’t rehearsing.”
Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre manager, Kevin Critchley, said: “The Christmas carol event is something I always look forward to. The atmosphere is without fail really special and it’s always nice to see families and shoppers pick up a carol sheet and join in.
“Once again we are grateful to the Glyndwr University Community Choir and Royal Buckley Town Band members for giving up their time to perform together around our Christmas tree to create some musical magic.”
He added: “Last year’s event was a huge success and I’m sure we are going to have a great crowd again this year. My advice would be to get down here in plenty of time and soak up what is always a very special Christmas atmosphere.”
For more information about Eagles Meadow Shopping centre, including opening times, visit www.eaglesmeadow.co.uk
For more information about Glyndwr University Community Choir visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk
For more information about Royal Buckley Town Band visit www.royalbuckleytownband.co.uk
