Christmas Engagements 2023 - Phoenix Brass Band

“Brass & Carols” at The Tipple Inn, Collingbourne Ducis – Thursday, 21 December 2023

Locals enjoyed a good old fashioned sing a long to well known carols performed by the Band at what has become a customary event in the festive diary. This concluded the Band’s festive engagements for 2023.

Carols and Grand Christmas Draw, Froxfield Memorial Hall – Tuesday, 19 December 2023

Villagers joined supporters and friends to sing carols outside Froxfield War Memorial Hall.

This was followed by a short social evening, with refreshments provided by the Friends of Phoenix, and the Grand Christmas Draw.

Brendoncare Nursing Home, Froxfield – Friday, 15 December 2023

Friends of Brendoncare, Froxfield hosted their annual carol concert at which the band played and brought much Christmas cheer to the residents and family.

There were also refreshments, including mulled wine, which added to the winter warmth of the evening.

Kennet Gateway Club, Woodborough – Thursday, 14 December 2023

Players returned to Kennet Gateway Club in Woodborough for what has become a customary event in the Band’s festive diary. Kennet Gateway Club was set up to provide a social life for adults with learning disabilities and the musicians always look forward to the evening, playing a variety of festive tunes and Christmas carols to the delight of Club members.

The evening provides the opportunity for players to ‘dress down’ from their normal band attire. Dressed in a variety of Christmas jumpers the players performed a mixed programme of music, with some members keen to take charge of the Musical Director’s baton throughout the evening.

Christmas Concert at Marlborough Town Hall – Sunday, 10 December 2023

Marlborough Town Hall was filled to capacity as Phoenix Brass performed their second Christmas Concert’ of this festive period. At the ‘Welcome Christmas’ Concert, the players were joined by the Lyneham Military Wives Choir, https://www.facebook.com/lynehammwc/?locale=en_GB

The Mayor of Marlborough, Councillor Nick Fogg was accompanied by his wife, the Mayoress of Marlborough, as special guests.

The Concert featured a blend of festive music and carols in the beautiful surroundings of Marlborough Town Hall. The audience sat back, relaxed, and was entertained by the sounds of brass and the Military Wives Choir that really got them into the Christmas spirit. As one person described it afterwards, it was “Christmas with all the trimmings in one concert”.

The Concert featured Yuletide greats and several carols where the audience joined in singing with great gusto joined by the Military Wives Choir.

The Concert programme included a set of musical pieces performed by the delightful sounds of the Lyneham Military Wives Choir which received rapturous applause.

During the Concert, Roger and Rosemarie Dewey were presented with gifts to mark the end of thirty years with Phoenix Brass. They have both decided that it is time to pursue other hobbies and interests.

At the end Councillor Nick Fogg commented about the presentation and professionalism of the band and players and ended by saying “you played with panache and style, and we are very lucky to have you”.

Marlborough High Street Carols and Seasonal Tunes – Saturday, 9 December 2023

Christmas is just around the corner and it would not be the same if the high street did not ring out to the sounds of festive tunes.

With clearance of the earlier wet weather today, players from Phoenix Brass braved the rather blustery but drier conditions to entertain shoppers in Marlborough High Street with Christmas carols and seasonal music.

Grateful thanks to Jenny Taylor and Norman Williams for their help with the collecting tins.

Burbage Primary School Christmas Fair – Friday, 8 December 2023

Players performed Christmas carols to greet members of the public as they arrived at Burbage Primary School Christmas Fair. Playing outside, the musicians entertained the public. Although cold, the rain held off.

At least it was not as bitter as last year when players braved the extreme cold to perform and did their best to prevent the valves on their instruments from freezing up!

The Walwyn Hall, Lambourn – Sunday, 3 December 2023

Lambourn welcomed Phoenix Brass back for a Christmas Concert, the first time since the Covid pandemic.

The chairs were filled and the audience were treated to a variety of festive and seasonal tunes. The second half of the Concert was interspersed with what has become the customary singing of Christmas Carols.

Burbage Christmas Tree Sale – Saturday, 2 December 2023

Players performed carols and festive tunes in support of the Burbage Christmas Tree Sale and Market. The event run by volunteers raises magnificent sums for the community, providing funds for the church, school and village hall.

The Parade Cinema, Marlborough – Saturday, 25 November 2023

Players from Phoenix Brass provided a festive selection of music at The Parade Cinema in Marlborough. A mixed repertoire, including many Christmas favourites, festive classics and carols, delighted those that braved the cold to visit ‘Christmas at The Parade’ and the outdoor covered market with local artisan businesses selling gifts, candles, toys, hampers, sweets and treats.

Father Christmas was also in attendance, with the BlueBelles Choir singing during the break.