The Lancashire town of Bacup has a great heritage in terms of its industrial past and music making. Based on the mining and cotton industries in the valley, two outstanding brass bands originated in the town, the Bacup Old Band and the perhaps more famous Irwell Springs Band, both of which saw substantial success in earlier times and brought fame to the area.
The great River Irwell which was such an integral part of the Industrial Revolution in the north west has its source in the hills just above the town, hence the title of the new CD by the town’s current much travelled 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band. We have spent the weekend recording the band at its headquarters in Bacup and this will be released next month.
You can hear the band this weekend at the Great Northern Arts Festival at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and learn more about them at http://www.2ndrossendale.co.uk/index.html.
