Longest established band back on home turf for fringe festival

The longest established band in East Anglia was back on home turf as part of a day of singing, dancing and music.

The Stalham Brass Band performing in front of Stalham Railway Station, ninety years ago. Pictures: supplied by Tim Thirst - Credit: Archant

Stalham Brass Band was formed 170 years ago, and with its 24 musicians and under director of music Tim Thirst, it played at the second Stalham Fringe Festival on Sunday, May 26.

A spokesman for the event said: "Stalham Fringe Festival was another success with even more music, singing and dance performers. Performances were held at both outside and inside venues, along the High Street.

"The band has been performing through the reigns of six monarchs and had been going for 30 years even before the railway reached Stalham.

"Tim, along with his late father Gerald Thirst, have clocked up 130 years of service to the band. Tim has been in the band for 56 years and its director of music for 20 years."

For further details email timothythirst@aol.com