Storm didn’t stop the show at Tameside Hospital Christmas light switch on

Not even Storm Bram could dampen the festive spirit on Tuesday 9 December, as families, staff and supporters braved wind and rain for Tameside Hospital’s annual Christmas light switch-on.

This year’s celebration shone brighter, and sounded more festive, than ever, thanks to a special performance by the Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity Brass Band, the first and only brass band in the borough made up entirely of NHS staff. Though the original programme included pupils from Inspire Academy, the worsening weather meant the brass band became the sole live act on the night, delivering a warm and uplifting soundtrack to an otherwise stormy evening.

Formed by dedicated employees from the Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, the band rehearses and performs entirely in their own time. What began as a simple call-out for volunteers quickly grew into a thriving musical group after senior clinical nurse assessor for digital health, Lindsey Rankin, founded the ensemble last year.

The group has gone from strength to strength, building a résumé that includes NHS events, community celebrations and even weddings, all while raising money for the official Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity to support staff, patients and families across hospital and community services. Their commitment was recognised earlier this year when they received the Volunteer of the Year award at the Tameside and Glossop Everyone Matters Awards.

Chief Executive Karen James OBE, spoke ahead of the switch on thanking people for joining the celebrations and extended her thanks to the brass band.

Despite the challenging conditions, the switch-on event remained a heartwarming community celebration. Crowds gathered among market stalls, enjoyed a festive reading from the chaplaincy team and counted down together as the hospital’s Christmas lights illuminated the grounds, turning a gloomy December evening into a moment of shared brightness.