From August 3 to 17 Grimethorpe undertook a two week tour of Australia! The band undertook a 10 date tour with performances throughout the nation.
Speaking about the tour, Grimethorpe Colliery Principal Conductor and Director of Music Dr Robert Childs said, “I played euphonium on Grimethorpe’s first tour way back in 1980; returning to Australia as the band’s conductor this summer is now a dream come true. We performed to approximately 16,000 people in concert halls the length and breadth of the country. It was incredible”. Through the tour Grimethorpe featured their winning “Brass In Concert” programme as well as classical favourites, film soundtracks and original music for band. Grimethorpe were invited to Australia by Andrew Kay & Associates Pty Ltd. Andrew Kay is an international theatrical producer and concert promoter whose offices are based in Melbourne. Andrew has over 30 years’ experience touring attractions and theatre groups which have included Dr Who, Mnozil Brass, Wynton Marsalis, Yehudi Menuhin and more.
Speaking about the tour, Andrew stated, “Grimethorpe Colliery Band are the most famous brass band in the world! I’m delighted that Bob Childs and the Band accepted my invitation to tour our wonderful country. The band were a sell out when they came to Australia in 2011 and we were delighted to experience the same success this year.”
The band engaged the services of Craig Roberts to act as Band Manager for the trip. Craig has great experience managing bands abroad and revelled in the challenge. Speaking about the tour, Craig said, “I’ve taken many bands on tour to Canada, America and wider in the past, but managing Grimethorpe Band on this tour of a lifetime was an unbelievable experience”.
During their 2 week whistle-stop tour, Grimethorpe performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Brisbane, State Theatre Sydney, Llewellyn Hall Canberra, Newcastle Town Hall, Hamer Hall Melbourne, Frankston Arts Centre, Wrest Point Hobart Tasmania, Robert Blackwood Hall Monash, Norwood Concert Hall Adelaide and Perth Concert Hall.