MUSICIANS from Ashbourne have performed on an international stage, by entertaining crowds at half-time during a premier rugby match.
Aviva Premiership leaders, Harlequins, played at their home ground Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, and team sponsors DHL invited Ashbourne Town Band to entertain both the players and the 15,000-strong crowd.
The highly-anticipated match between Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs was broadcast on Sky Sports, and during half-time debate over the progress of the game, snippets of the town band’s performance were shown on the programme.
President of Ashbourne Town Band, Simon Ede, said: “The band were kitted out with red and yellow DHL ties and played several musical interludes under the baton of Russell Bevan both on the pitch and also inside before the game started.
“We were transported by road from the huge DHL Global facility at Cargo West, East Midlands Airport to Twickenham.
“At half time the band went onto the pitch for a 10 minute slot and played behind the goal to a crowd of just under 15,000 rugby fans.
“We played The Final Countdown and also Ain’t No Mountain High Enough which is the theme tune to the DHL television adverts.
“On behalf of the band I would like to thank Mr Lyndon Helmore of DHL for this opportunity offered to the Town Band, the players really enjoyed the day and it was an amazing opportunity.”
Edward Carr plays in the band with his wife and children. He added: “It was fantastic, absolutely brilliant. We are up in the clouds.”
