A West Lothian brass band are bouncing back from the pandemic as they return with a new name and a full line-up of events for the rest of the year.
Kirkton Brass Band have made some major changes following on from pandemic restrictions, changing their name from Newland Concert Brass this year.
In 2021, the band were devastated at the loss of their president, Jim Walker, who passed away suddenly last year.
Jim was a highly respected and valued member of the committee who had been involved with the band since it began in 1987.
The band will play their next concert in the newly named Jim Walker Partnership Centre on September 2.
The first ever rehearsal took place in Newland Academy, Bathgate in 1987, lending the brass players their name for 35 years.
Since then the band has had several rehearsal venues, and now have their own bandhall on Belvedere Road in Bathgate.
As well as the name change, their rebrand included a new band logo – the three span arch.
The new logo reflects the historical landmark situated at the entrance of Kirkton Park in Bathgate, which in recent years has been part of the rebrand of the town of Bathgate, prominently displayed on the town’s
street signs and historical plaques.
It also mirrors the iconic three span spruce arch that is part of both the Bathgate Procession and Community Festival.
The band have kept their blue uniform, which will be well recognised by locals as the brass players have played in community events for nearly 40 years.
Over the years the band has played at events like Party in the Park, and local gala days – and have raised thousands of pounds for charities like River Kids, Cancer Research UK, The British Heart Foundation, CHAS, and the Bennie Museum.
Kirkton Brass Band have contested in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sections and have qualified for the British Brass Band Championships five times.
Kirkton Brass also took part in the Scottish Championships at Perth Concert Hall in March 2022 and the Bathgate Procession in June – the brass players also took part in the ‘Make a Noise in Libraries event’ in June 2022.
Band manager Karen Heenan said: “After two difficult years due to covid, it’s great to be back playing in the community again.
“Kirkton Brass Bathgate and Kirkton Youth Band are looking forward to a number of events in the months ahead and we are hoping the community will continue to support us.
“New members are always welcome and anyone interested in joining us should get in touch.”
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