Seaford Silver Band was delighted to perform at the inaugural Seaford Rotary Community Music Festival on Saturday 18 July. Organised by Seaford Rotary Club, the open-air family event brought together more than 350 local performers of all ages while raising funds for the Seaford Rotary Charitable Trust.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the South Downs and Seaford Head, the festival could hardly have enjoyed better weather. Blue skies, warm sunshine and comfortable temperatures provided the ideal setting for what proved to be a memorable celebration of music and community.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, festival-goers relaxed on picnic blankets and camping chairs while enjoying food, refreshments and an impressive programme of entertainment. Children danced, played and practised handstands and cartwheels as families and friends soaked up the music and joyful atmosphere. The audience enjoyed a wonderful variety of performances from local choirs, bands, soloists and community groups, with the contributions from children and young people proving especially inspiring and, at times, moving.
Seaford Silver Band, under the baton of Musical Director Hubert McCallum, performed at 7.15 pm with a lively programme featuring Baggy Trousers, The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss), Hello, Dolly! and the ever-popular Sussex by the Sea. The band was enthusiastically received and was proud to play its part in such a brilliant community event.
Away from the main stage, the band also hosted a popular stand where visitors of all ages were invited to try a range of brass instruments. It proved a great success, with children and adults alike discovering just how much fun playing an instrument can be. The smiles on the faces of those giving the instruments a try suggested the band may even have inspired a few future brass players.
As daylight faded, a bright crescent moon appeared above the festival site and audience members fetched blankets and jumpers before settling in for the final performances. The evening concluded with Brass Fusion, accompanied by a colourful fireworks display that provided a fitting finale to a truly memorable summer’s day.
Band Chairman Chris Goodchild said: “We were delighted to be part of the first Seaford Rotary Community Music Festival. It was a fantastic celebration of local talent and community spirit, and we hope it will become a regular fixture in Seaford’s calendar.”
Looking back, the festival captured everything that makes community events so special: outstanding local talent, enthusiastic audiences and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Seaford Silver Band thanks Seaford Rotary Club and its volunteers for organising such a successful event. If you would like to find out more about joining the band, please contact Chris Goodchild on 07909 913077 for a friendly, no-obligation chat. You can be assured of a very warm welcome.
