Peter Lawson: Colliery Bands and a Song with Sam Fender

🎙 In this episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we're joined by the legendary Peter Lawson - secretary of Easington Colliery Brass Band and a true ambassador for the region's musical and mining heritage.  Peter reflects on more than five decades of dedication to the band he first joined at 11 years old. He shares what it was like keeping the band alive through the closure of the colliery, the incredible community support that's helped them thrive, and how a chance connection led to a surreal day recording with none other than Sam Fender on the track "Remember My Name" from his latest album People Watching.  Along the way, we hear about playing live on the West End, chatting with Elton John, Ant & Dec, and why local pride still powers every performance. Expect laughs, music, and a deep love for all things North East.  🎶 Highlights include:  How Peter became the secretary of Easington Colliery brass band  Keeping the band alive post-pit closure through fundraising and community café projects  The story behind recording with Sam Fender and being featured on the People Watching album  Celebrity encounters and unforgettable performances, from Billy Elliot to Britain's Got Talent  The power of local music, memory, and resilience in the North East    PETER'S BIO: Peter Lawson is the long-serving secretary of Easington Colliery Brass Band, having joined the band at age 11 and dedicated over 56 years to its music and mission. A proud son of the Durham coalfield, Peter has helped steer the band through pit closures, funding crises, and a changing cultural landscape, all while championing community spirit and Northern heritage. Under his leadership, the band has toured Europe, performed on the West End, appeared on Britain's Got Talent, and most recently featured on Sam Fender's emotional track "Remember My Name." Through his work with the band and their community-run café, Peter continues to ensure the brass band tradition not only survives—but thrives.    🔗 USEFUL LINKS:  Easington Colliery Band Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easingtoncb/  Alnwick Playhouse Eevent Tickets: https://alnwickplayhouse.co.uk/event/easington-colliery-band/    🌍 More from Geordie Pride:   🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk   📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel   📸 Instagram: @geordiepride   💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply   📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected]