Welcome to the website for Stalybridge Old Band
| This site is currently under construction, so please come back for regular updates. |
The band was formed in 1809 with Thomas Avison as conductor and has strong claim to be the oldest civilian brass band in the world. Our most famous historical 'moment' was to be involved in the Manchester 'Peterloo Massacre' on January 14th 1819 - fortunately, we managed to hastily 'beat the retreat' from the battle. We had been booked to play for a political meeting which turned into the massacre.
Today we are a versatile band with strong links to the Tameside community, able to provide music for any occasion - home or abroad!
Last summer the band had a very succesful visit to the town of Nieuwpoort in Belgium, where we took part in the annual Festival of St Bernard.
Enquiries about the band's services and availability should be made to the Band Manager (details below).
Next year we celebrate our bicentenary and are hoping to raise funds for a trip to Champagnole du Boyse, France as part of our programme of activities. See here for more information (sorry, the website is in French but there are some lovely pictures!) http://www.champagnole.fr/Pre-de-Boyse.html
Latest News
Comings and goings!
It is with regret we say goodbye to Jeff Lewis who has been our conductor for the last 12 months. Unfortunately, due to increased work commitments he is unable to continue as our musical director. We would like to thank him for all the hard work (we needed it!) and wish him all the best for the future.
In Jeff's place, we extend a warm welcome to John Binns who stepped in at short notice to take the band to a respectable 4th place at the Wilkinson Northern Open.
Next year we celebrate our bicentenary and are hoping to raise funds for a trip to Champagnole du Boyse, France as part of our programme of activities. See here for more information (sorry, the website is in French but there are some lovely pictures!) http://www.champagnole.fr/Pre-de-Boyse.html
Contact
Audrey Greenwood 0161 338 4398 or 07934 423375
mail@stalybridgeoldband.org