WHEN Flixton Brass Band hold their Christmas concert on Friday, December 2, Councillor Jonathan Coupe will be there both as their new president and as Deputy Mayor of Trafford, wearing his band tie and lapel badge.

Councillor Coupe said: “When Paul Thomason, the band manager approached me to be their president, it was a jaw dropping moment.

“When one of their members thought the Coach House, Flixton Road might make a good headquarters for them, I advised them about its suitability.

“They have been meeting there for two months now.”

In the summer the band won two March and Hymn contests in Brighouse and Morley.

Mr Thomason said: “I invited Jonathan to be our band president because he has shown a great interest in us. He even came to our final rehearsal for the Brighouse and Morley competitions.”

Both the main band and the community band will play festive numbers at the concert and there will be lots of carols.

The principal cornet player, Katie Tyson-Phillips, will perform a special arrangement of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and flugel horn soloist. Vicky Finlay, will play Away in a Manger.

*The concert is at St Clements Church, Stretford Road, Urmston on Friday, December 2 at 7.30.

Tickets, pried £7 adults, £6 concessions and £4 under 16s are available from Murrays Quality Fresh Foods, Crofts Bank Road, Urmston or pay at door. Refreshments included.