Lyttelton Farmers’ Market - 14th December 2024

One of the joys of Christmas for Sumner Band is being able to get out and about around ‘our patch’ and to play in front of a wide variety of local people who live in the various centres in the area.

We think we have one of the most diverse schedules of Christmas playouts of any brass band anywhere, and when the weather is as wonderful as it’s been so far this year it’s even more enjoyable.

This Saturday we made our annual visit through the tunnel to Christchurch’s port - Lyttelton - to play at the popular farmers’ market.

It was into Lyttelton in December 1850 that the first four ships arrived bringing the 750 or so settlers who established Christchurch.

In soaring temperatures and bright sunshine we played a selection of carols and longer pieces to those visiting the busy market who were very generous in dropping coins and notes into the old euphonium which serves as a focus for donations.

The market takes place each Saturday along London Street, which as you can see from the video of the band below to this day still has a colonial feel to it.

Once in Royal David’s City, against the backdrop of London Street and the hillside houses beyond.