170th Anniversary Walk for Bluecoats
2023 marks the 170th anniversary of City of Chester Bluecoat Band. To commemorate the occasion members recreated the 'wall walk' that the Bluecoats School Band from which they originate took every Sunday morning. The City of Chester Bluecoat Band originated in the period 1832-40 as a fife and drum ensemble attached to Chester’s Bluecoat School. Money left over from a fund established by the 'Ladies of Chester' enabled the Bluecoat School Brass Band to be formed in 1853. Prior to World War II the Chester Bluecoat Band would regularly walk the city walls as part of a religious event marking Palm Sunday. The Band continues to wear its distinctive blue uniform to the present day. The jacket also carries a badge of the famous Eastgate Clock, recognisable around the world as a symbol of Chester, a city with a fine cultural heritage which the Band has been proud to represent for over 170 years.
Led by MD Ewan Easton MBE, also known to many as the Halle Orchestra’s Principal Tuba and RNCM Tutor, the band began with a fanfare from the famous Eastgate Clock they stopped at seven locations around the city walls, playing a mix of the band members' favourite marches and hymns. The stops included the city's Cathedral, Blue Coat Hospital, Racecourse and Roman amphitheatre. At the Blue Coat Hospital, principal cornet Phil Mottershead was presented with a tankard by Chairperson Paul Donoghue, in recognition of his 60 years of dedicated service to the band. Band Manager, Matthew McCleary explained, "Phil has been such a massive part of the band over those 60 years. As a player, conductor and during his time as Chairman Phil’s commitment has been second-to-none and we wish him many more playing years ahead." Commenting on the day’s events a spokesperson for the band added, “In true Chester style, celebrations continued at our favourite local, The Henry Potts. A big thank you to our band manager Matthew for organising the day and also to Ian Clowes who very kindly took some cracking photos of the band.”
2023 also marks the success of the organisation's long-term commitment to the next generation of players, with the Bluecoat Brass Training Band launching Beginner Sessions on Wednesdays (6.30-7.30pm) as well as band sessions for more experienced players on Mondays (6.00-7.30pm) which are open to all. For more information go to: www.chesterbrass.co.uk
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