Arguably the finest brass band in the world, the Black Dyke thrilled the audience crowded into Worcester Cathedral.

Nicholas Childs, their authoritative conductor, led the bands-men through an entertaining and expertly performed diversity of music.

Vibrancy of the instruments combined with the resonant acoustic and resulted in brilliance.

Dazzling trumpets heralded Walton's Crown Imperial March, and six solo trumpeters stood as they paraded Verdi's Grand March from Aida.

Distinguished soloists perform in the ranks of the band. David Thornton, 'National Euphonium Player of the Year' was outstanding in Philip Sparke's Euphonium Concerto, a wonderfully melodic piece which showed off the sumptuous velvety tones of the solo instrument to full advantage, as well as incorporating extrovert cadenzas.

David was later joined in duet, by a second euphonium player John French in the famous Deep inside the Sacred Temple from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, which suited euphoniums surprisingly well.

In Elgar's Severn Suite sparkling tunes from cornets and trumpets, amazing muted effects, and a dramatic drum roll to pre-empt a massive final section where trombones and tubas were the prominent low bass, all served to identify the work.

Trombonist Brett Baker demonstrated in virtuoso fashion the extensive range he could encompass in Arthur Prior's Thoughts of Love, and John Doyle's solo flugel horn in Concerto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo emulated sounds of a guitar, and feather-light cadential scales.

Joseph Cook's solo tuba in Victorio Monti's Czardas plunged to the deepest depths, and the highly decorated cadenza in repartee with the band was very amusing.

A magnificently controlled 'Procession to the Minister' by Wagner provided an illustrious and showy end, to the incomparable Black Dyke Band's greatly appreciated Fringe Festival concert.

Jill Hopkins