Brassed on: Crystal Palace Brass Band gets ready for free concert of classic film music

Readers of a certain age will remember Brassed Off, a 1996 film starring Ewan McGregor, Pete Postlethwaite and Tara Fitzgerald. 

Often regarded as a comedy-romance, the film tells the story of a brass band during the miners strike.

Fast forward nearly 30 years, Crystal Palace Brass Band is giving a free concert in West Norwood Picturehouse at 4pm, on September 1. 

The concert is based on the music from Brassed Off, such as the Floral Dance, including a smattering of other classic film pieces.

Paul Kind, a cornet player with Crystal Palace Brass Band said: “The film has moments of high drama, huge pathos in the film mixed with a dash of humour.

“As someone who has appeared on stage in theatre performances of Brassed Off, I can honestly say that the emotional finale is irresistible.”

After the concert, visitors can can stick around, talk with musicians and even try out a brass instrument. 

Then, at 5pm, West Norwood Picturehouse will host a screening of the original Brassed Off film.

Crystal Palace Brass Band was formed more than 100 years ago, originally as the Upper Norwood Temperance Band.

They mainly perform concerts in South London, but will also be appearing north of the Thames on September 8, in Regents Park bandstand.

The screening is ticketed and can be booked here: https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/027/HO00014867/brassed-off-%20brassed-on-concert

Pictured top: Crystal Palace Brass Band in performance (Picture: Crystal Palace Brass Band)