Musicians 'brassed off' after safety concerns blight carolling tradition

Musicians in a village near Wakefield fear they might have to end their carol singing tradition due to safety concerns.

Horbury Victoria Brass Band have been entertaining crowds at midnight on Christmas Eve for more than a century.

But this year the group say they will have to stop at 6 o'clock, because of anti-social behaviour by members of the public including pushing and shoving, and spitting into instruments.

The group's chairman David Maynard said he can no longer guarantee member's safety.

Arnold Tattersfield, who has been a member of the band for 40 years and its secretary for 37, said the bad behaviour of some people had led people to stay away from the festivities.

He said: "The committee felt that there was a danger to the players, which was their utmost priority, and to the public.

"It was also felt that the members of the public who came along each year to listen to the band for the genuine reason of the event, which is to welcome the Christmas period, were staying away for these reasons.

"The decision was not taken lightly and it saddens me that it had to be made."