Hastings band celebrates 125th anniversary

Hastings Citizens' Band will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a weekend of music and entertainment next month.

Over 300 musicians from some of the country's top brass bands will be in the city to take part in the Central Districts Brass Band competitions.

The competition starts on Saturday September 3rd where the bands will demonstrate their skills with a sacred item and a test piece in front of judges. The competition continues on Sunday morning when each band plays a family friendly 30 minute concert of their choice in the Hawke's Bay Opera House. The music to be performed includes popular TV, movie, jazz, and contemporary tunes.

The highlight of the weekend comes on Sunday afternoon from midday, when the bands line up for a traditional street march in Lyndon Road. The march is followed by family friendly musical entertainment in the Hawke's Bay Opera House theatre.

Hastings Citizens' Band Musical Director Tane McLeay says" the weekend will feature some of the best musicians and bands in the country. Undoubtedly, the public will thrill to the sights and sounds of the street march on Sunday afternoon."

"It's a great way to celebrate the 125th anniversary with bands from all around the Central North Island coming to play in Hastings" Mr McLeay says.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says "the city is proud to host the Central Districts Brass Band competition. It's fitting that this competition will come to Hastings in the Citizens Bands 125th year."

"Not only will the public get to hear the beautiful sounds of many of the best bands in the country but city businesses will benefit from the influx of musicians along with their friends and families," Mr Yule says.

"Members of the Hastings Citizens Band give thousands of hours of voluntary service every year to the city while performing at many events and the competition is an opportunity for the public to show their support for 125 years of service to the city."

Competition begins at midday on Saturday September 3rd with entry to performances in the Hawke's Bay Opera House by gold coin donation.

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