When Ray Peacock’s funeral took place at Tyldesley Parish Church in May 2012 over 400 people came to pay their respects to a dedicated brass bandsman, and hear the world famous Fairey Band pay their respects to a long-serving former member.

It was an emotional experience to hear this ensemble in the wonderful acoustic of Tyldesley Church and the idea was suggested to organise a tribute charity concert to raise funds for the Fairey Band and Parkinson’s UK. This has now been arranged, a year after Ray’s death, to take place on Saturday 18^th May commencing at 7.30pm.

Mark Peacock, eldest son of Ray, who has conducted the Fairey Band since 2011, told us more about the event and the idea behind it-
“ Dad was a proud member of the Fairey Band for some 30 years and he shared in the band’s many contest successes. The band has won the British Open 16 times, National Champions of Great Britain 9 times and were European Champions in 1994, with Dad featuring in several of these achievements. He was a dedicated and loyal bandsman, travelling for over 30 years from Tyldesley to Stockport, to work at Fairey Aviation and play for the band.

In Dad’s latter years he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and the Peacock family has raised several hundreds of pounds in supporting research into this condition. It was felt by our family and friends that, by bringing the Fairey Band back to Tyldesley and helping raise much needed funds for Parkinson’s UK, we could celebrate Dad’s life with music and memories.”

For Mark to conduct this concert in his home town of Tyldesley is a tremendous honour and privilege and he hopes that all the local community will come together to support this special concert. “There will be a rich and varied programme which will appeal to all musical tastes. Tyldesley and the surrounding areas have a strong tradition of brass band music and I know the audience will enjoy the programme of music chosen, and help raise money for Parkinson’s UK too.”

Tickets can be bought on the door: adults - £10, children -free
or can be reserved on 07944 109430.

The concert starts at 7.30pm