THE BAND made famous in the film Brassed Off were involved in real-life drama this weekend after not being invited to play at a Festival of Music in their home village.
St Luke's Parish Church in Grimethorpe staged the festival and among the performers were Carlton Main Frickley Brass Band - bitter rivals of world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
But the Grimethorpe band was not invited to take part - setting to
ngues wagging in the village.
St Luke's vicar, Father Peter Needham, explained that he did not intend any offence to the village's famous sons.
He said: "Can I state quite clearly and categorically that Grimethorpe Colliery Band is the best brass band in the world.
"The standard of their play is fantastic, they are simply wonderful and long may they continue to be the best.
"It was never ever a matter of snubbing the band, it was simply that when organising the festival I thought we would probably not be able to afford the Grimethorpe band and that they would be too busy.
"It was a sheer coincidence that the Carlton Main and Frickley Colliery Brass Band was available to play and within our budget, but their playing at our festival is in no way a snub to Grimethorpe.
"I have spoken to Grimethorpe Band and explained the situation and we have agreed the band will perform here in Grimethorpe next year to help raise money for charity."
Band manager Terry Webster said: "We played at the opening of the Grimethorpe medical centre a few weeks ago and are happy to support the village.
"But when you don't get asked you take other bookings, and as a result we are playing in Southend this weekend. We are in discussion with Father Needham and will be playing a charity event next year."
The full article contains 320 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
