As part of our Christmas Tree Festival

The West Riding Concertina Ensemble

The West Riding Concertina Ensemble formed in 2016 to continue the legacy of the traditional Victorian and Edwardian northern concertina bands. Invented in the mid 19th century by Charles Wheatstone, the English concertina became a staple on the music hall stage, and was quickly adopted by social groups across the north as a band instrument. The Salvation Army did much to popularise it, enjoying its versatility and range. WRCE enjoys exploring its potential in the 21st century, with a broad repertoire which includes popular classics to more modern pieces arranged especially for them. The seven-piece group includes on treble Graham Heffernan, Nick Barber, Steve Griffiths and Michelle Barstow, with Adrian Jackson and Ruth Flint on baritone, and Carolyn Wade on bass. They perform across the county for folk groups and heritage centres on original instruments dating back to the heyday of the concertina, and are looking forward to bringing their Christmas programme to Boston Spa.