We're the oldest brass band in the world!
Founded in 1809, the band has a long tradition in the local area and beyond. We've always been based in Stalybridge, near Manchester, England and we now live above Judges Bar on Corporation Street right in the heart of the town.
There's an extensive music library including original manuscript copies of some pieces. This means we can provide a wide variety of concert programmes to suit all types of venue and audience, and a band ranging from a small ensemble to a full 26 piece formation. If you want more details, contact us. See the Contact Page for where to find us.
You'll find lots more about the band by looking at our Early History and Recent Events.
We're always on the lookout for new players. If you're interested in joining Stalybridge Old Band, check out the Vacancies page.
Latest News from Stalybridge
June 2013
I Love Stalybridge Action Morning - 8th June
Stalybridge Town Team has organised an Action Morning on Saturday 8th June to tidy up the town centre and surrounding area. The tidy-up is followed by a barbeque at 12:00 noon and Stalybridge Band will be there - to play music, not just eat the burgers!
To find out more, click here.
May 2013
Whit Friday - 24th May
Another great Whit Friday for Stalybridge Old Band:
- Tameside Contests - Twelfth overall and Second Local
- Broadoak - Winner Third Section
- Droylsden - Winner Third Section
- Dukinfield - Third Local
- Stalybridge - Third Local
- Stalybridge Celtic - Fifth overall, Second Local
- Upper Mossley - Winner Third Section
The band netted over £1,000.00 in prize money. Some members feel that this year's emphasis on deportment as well as music made a big difference!
April 2013
St. George's Day in Stalybridge - 23rd April
We helped celebrate St. George's Day by playing outside "Q" bar in Stalybridge. The customers and passers-by were entertained by renditions of popular marches including, of course "Standard of St. George". When we'd finished, the players were treated to a well earned pint by the landlord, Kevin Orchard. Many thanks!
Stalybridge can lay claim to the shortest and longest pub names in the UK if not the world! "Q" bar has the shortest and "The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn" has the longest.
Reminiscences from an ex-member
It's always good to hear from ex-members of the band and back in January 2013, Ken White wrote in the Visitors' Book:
"As a former member, 1946 to 1950 (when I left for National Service and a later move to New Zealand) I enjoyed reading about the band on your web site. Happy memories of caroling Christmas and Boxing Days, we walked for miles (glad I played baritone not double B) and enjoyed some wonderful hospitality."
We managed to get in touch with Ken who still lives in New Zealand and he shared his memories with us. Click here and read on.
March 2013
North West Regional Brass Band Championships - Sunday March 10th
The Regional Brass Band Championships determine the qualifying bands for the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. They were held in the Winter Gardens in the centre of town.
Stalybridge Old Band was there and many of our members made a weekend of it again, sharing the hotel with Douglas Town Band from the Isle of Man.
We didn't win but we certainly improved our position over 2012. Click here to see the results.
