Following on from their performance at last autumn's Carrickmacross Brass & Concert Band festival and the renewal of an old friendship between the bands. The Blanchardstown Brass Band & The Stedfast Shoes Brass Band, Carrickmacross decided to join forces this year for a few concerts.

 

Vague promises had been made in the wake of the Stedfast Shoes Brass Band's festival in Monaghan last year to undertake some joint ventures. However the ball was rolled properly when the Blancharstown Brass Band were booked to play at the prestigious Carrick-on-Shannon Water Music Festival. Owing to some pre-booked holidays the band were concerned about depleted numbers and extended the invitation to their Monaghan friends. Rehersals were arranged in both counties and a concert programme was decided upon. The concert itself, which was exceptionally well attended and received live coverage from local radio and considerable coverage on the National Media, was a huge success and the combined brass band performance received excellent feedback.

 

The success of their concert performance gave the bands the impetus to arrange further joint performances. They didn't have to wait long to peform together again. This time it was the Stedfast Shoes Brass Band who extended the invitation to their Dublin colleagues. A concert by the sea in the picturesque town of Carlingford, Co Louth was the showcase for their second joint concert. Again, it proved to be very successful with both bands receiving great feedback from the organisers. Further concerts over the Christmas period will undoubtedly be arranged very soon so stay tuned!!