Carlisle Soldier, Bandmaster, Choirmaster and Master of Dance

Music historian Kim Tame writes: A few years ago, I discovered the music of Felix Burns and began a large collection of lively dance tunes, military marches, complex piano solos and a whole lot more.

Researching a biography of Burns became my Covid lockdown project, and in ‘Bandmaster of Carlisle; the Life and Music of Felix Burns 1863-1920’ I can now share what I learnt about this talented and interesting man.

A SCOT IN CARLISLE

Felix Burns was born in Perth, Scotland, but spent most of his adult life in Carlisle. He and his wife, Kate, were to have 13 children, so he never had the option of not working. He was a composer and teacher as well as a versatile performer in at least three bands. In 1887, he published his first composition – of about 400 - Wide Awake Polka, inspired by the experience of young children not going to sleep. He enlisted in the Territorial Army and from 1893, led the band of the 4th Battalion, the Border Regiment, with the rank of Sergeant Drummer. This added regular meetings at the Drill Hall in Strand Road, training camps, civic parades and brass band competitions to his busy schedule. He also became organist and choir director at Our Lady and St Joseph’s Church in Warwick Road.

RECRUITER

Felix was not physically fit for active military service and spent the Boer War organising fundraising concerts to support wounded soldiers and their dependants. His stirring marches of this time include Sons of Britannia, Sons of Empire and Trooping the Colours.

During the Great War, Felix was recruiting sergeant at Carlisle Castle and by the end of November 1914 had guided almost 600 men through the enlistment process. At the same time, the extra wartime population of Carlisle needed entertainment; plus, hundreds of workers from HM Gretna were catching the train into Carlisle for a night out at the weekends. By this time, Felix was producing his dance albums; collections of tunes for a complete evening of dancing, arranged for the intermediate musician.

Wartime life is reflected in titles such as; Off to the Allotment, The Munitions Lassie and Somewhere in France. Other tunes paid tribute to wartime leaders and regiments, including Kitchener’s Boys, Beattie’s Boys, Scottish Rifles and The London Scottish.

ILL HEALTH

Felix’s health continued to decline, and he was discharged from the Border Regiment during 1916. He died in January 1920 at the age of 56, and among the floral tributes at his funeral was a wreath from the NCOs, officers and men of the Border Regiment.

Kim Tame

Editor's note

The Carlisle Accordian Club and the Friends of Cumbria's Museum of Military LIfe are holding an event on Thursday 10th April 2025, from 19:30 at St Margaret Mary Parish Centre, Scalegate Road, Upperby, Carlisle, at whch Felix's music will be played.