Last night a full house enjoyed a celebration of Englishness in the Town Hall, courtesy of Devizes Town Band under Musical Director John Blaker. It really was an excellent evening and is sure to mark the start of an annual event. The idea came from a conversation I had with Kelvin Nash in the Southgate when we'd just watched the Last Night of the Proms. I said how much I loved stirring tunes such as 'Jerusalem' and a good old sing-song. At the next meeting of the band, suggestions were sought for events, up popped Kelvin's hand and the rest, as they say, is history.

Lewis Cowen compered the event perfectly. His style set the tone for the evening being half-way between that with which he hosted the Eisteddfod and his performance as Mollière's eponymous hypochondriac. He got the audience going right from the start. I'm certain the band will be looking to book him for next year as well. The first half of the concert was a mixed affair, musically that covered Boieldieu's overture to The Caliph of Bagdad, the National Anthem and the Lambeth Walk. Mid-way through that half we were treated to a performance by up-and-coming singer Luke Williams accompanied on piano by his brother, James. Watch out for Luke – he has a heck of a voice and is going places.

The second half was much more like the Last Night. We had Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 ("Land of Hope & Glory"), Henry Wood's "Fantasia on British Sea Songs" and, of course, Blake Parry's "Jerusalem". The audience belted these out like no-one's business. And this seems a good time to thank the audience for their generosity: they raised a few hundred quid for the Mayor's Appeal. Thank you!

Some people object to what they see as flag-waving jingoism. But last night showed the positive side of patriotism - pride in your country without doing others down. If people don't like that, they can ... well ... they can boil their heads!

Thank you John, Town Band, Luke, James, Lewis and all those who helped make the event such a success. And here's to England!


The Band


Mandy and me with Luke and Lewis


A couple of patriots


John greets a young, camera-shy fan