'I've spent 20 years running concerts at famous bandstand'

David Bull has retired as Filey's bandstand supervisor after 20 years of service

For residents and repeat visitors to Filey during summer, David Bull cuts a familiar figure. Dressed in a striped blazer, bow tie and, if the weather is good enough, a straw boater, he's known to many as the man in charge of Filey Bandstand.

"People used to say to me, 'why are you all dressed up?'," he says.

"Look at the band, they're all in their uniform, so I think it's right that I do the same."

From seating to greeting, for the past 20 years, he's been instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the town council's summer brass band concerts.

After the conclusion of this year's programme, Mr Bull, 88, has officially retired from the bandstand supervisor position - but not from attending concerts.

"I shall still go to the bandstand and enjoy the music without having to do anything towards it," he says.

"But I'll be there in reserve in case they need me."

Every year the council organises a free 14-week programme of brass band performances in Crescent Gardens, a park overlooking the sea.

From May to September, Mr Bull and his colleagues help to set up and manage the events, come rain or shine - and bands have played in all weathers over the years.

"This last year, we had a wet one the first one and a wet one for the last one," he says.

"Unfortunately we'd started in the sunshine, and everybody got soaked through in the second half."

It's not just inclement weather that bands have contended with over the years; not every concert runs smoothly, for a variety of reasons.

Filey Bandstand in Crescent Gardens hosts summer concerts

"The bandstand is level but the ground surrounding it is sloping, and if the band is getting towards 30 people, they have to sit round the edges," he says.

"On one occasion, a musician shifted their chair and went backwards into the flowerbeds, feet in the air!"

Although he "plonks a ukulele", Mr Bull says he can't claim to be musical - although he's a lover of brass band music, and the tradition of outdoor entertainment itself.

According to him, Filey Bandstand is an unmissable concert spot, for both audience and players.

"We've had bands come from away, and if it rains and we have to play in the church they're very disappointed because playing inside a bandstand is the thing to do," he says.

By his reckoning, the quality of the music played at Filey Bandstand has improved, with "no bum notes" hit in recent years.

David Bull has been known to supervise concerts in his town crier uniform

"The brass bands of late tend to vary their programmes by playing music from television and film.

"I'm afraid I'm one of those people who likes overtures, hymns and marches but all brass band music is very, very clever and they're very good."

While Mr Bull has handed over the reins to the next band supervisor, he's set to continue his role as Filey's town crier, a position he's held equally as long.

In recognition of his service, Filey Town Mayor, Councillor Linda Randall, presented Mr Bull with a framed certificate and a print from a local artist of Filey Bandstand.

A council spokesperson said it extended "its heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service and commitment over the years".

"His legacy at the bandstand will be fondly remembered by all who have had the pleasure of working with him or enjoying a summer performance under his watch," they added.

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