Festive Gift Fair in Birmingham

The annual Festive Gift Fair at the NEC, Birmingham, was held on 19 – 22 November 2009, with the Birmingham Citadel Band providing a series of ensembles playing Christmas music over all four days.

Literally thousands of people heard the band’s offerings. Because of the extensive amount of time which was required, several retired members of the band were “drafted in” for Thursday and Friday, showing great stamina as it had been several years since they had played regularly.

The band were, as usual, very well received. All of the usual comments, such as “Now I’ve heard the Salvation Army band, it feels like Christmas!” were heard. The event proved to be a great start to the 2009 Christmas season for the band as they had to opportunity to proclaim to thousands of people the real message of Christmas.