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A musician is hoping his latest track will become one of the main financial contributors for a popular town event in years to come.
Simon Austin, of Spalding, has started composing his latest single, which is set to feature in next year’s Spalding Flower Parade.
The violinist, who always dreamed of pursuing a career in music, has created an extensive tick list of musical ambitions – which he is now able to complete as a result of his recent retirement.
Simon Austin
Simon said: “After the parade was resurrected I thought it would be nice to write some traditional brass band music.
“I presented my collection to the flower parade volunteers when it first re-started, and they endorsed it as the official music for Spalding Flower Parade. It changed my life in a really surprising and pleasant way.
“Ever since I was a school boy I wanted to pursue music as a career. I completed a physics degree and took a different path but I don’t give myself time for regret, as I am able to go full time with music now I have retired.”
Holbeach Town Band entertain the crowds PHOTO: CHRIS LOWNDES
Following the parade’s return in 2023, Simon composed an album to be played by the Holbeach Town Band.
He was also challenged by musical director, Mel Hopkin, to conduct the band as they made their way around the town.
Simon added: “Mel said I would be able to learn within six and 12 months. I had enough time to try and learn so I just thought, why not?
Holbeach Town Band. Photo: Lorna O’Dwyer
“When we were going around the town we were also playing some of the greatest pop hits such as Sweet Caroline which received a big cheer.
“However when we got to one of the pieces I created it received the same cheer and enthusiasm which the well known song got, and it was tremendously rewarding.
“As a composer you are competing against the best music, so in my opinion, it has got to be good to get any sort of decent reaction – the applause was loud and genuine.”
Simon has started composing his eleventh track which will join his other songs on the Spalding Flower Parade album.
It will be released next year and will be available to buy in Bookmark and online – all of the proceeds will go back into the popular parade.
He added: “I first started coming to Spalding 20 years ago and saw eight or nine flower parades before there was a 10 year gap.
“I’m pleased to see it return and when it stopped I thought it was so sad. It’s such an amazingly good thing for the town and it’s a marvellous tradition for Spalding – I hope it keeps going forever.
“I’d really love if the music could be a proper contributor to the flower parade finances.”
For future updates, keep up to date with Simon Austin’s Facebook page.
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