On Saturday 13th September, the Band held a special anniversary concert celebrating two milestones in the Bands history.

The Band were celebrating 100 Years since the official opening of the Bandroom, and 50 Years since the release of the Band’s LP Merrydale.

This special concert featured music from the Merrydale LP along with music from the Band’s 2016 CD Evolution.

For the finale, the Band were joined by several ex-players to perform Dereck Broadbent’s arrangement of John Miles ‘Music’ and Hootenanny. The Band were honoured to be joined by invited guest Derek Broadbent to conduct the mass band pieces.

Here is a lovely review from that special evening from Steve Gough.

The band marked not one, but two milestones – 100 years of their much-loved bandroom (still standing strong after a century of being shaken by fortissimos), and 50 years since the release of their LP Merrydale (back when music came on something you had to flip over!).

The evening was led in style by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, with a special guest appearance from the legendary Derek Broadbent. Not only did Derek step onto the podium to conduct, but he even had Paul take a turn in the band – proof that when two greats share a stage, the music shines even brighter.

Between them, they delivered a programme of brass band music that sparkled, thundered, and – just occasionally – squeaked (though that might have been the chairs, not the cornets).

A packed audience clapped and cheered so loudly it almost persuaded the bandroom to retire on the spot. It was, without doubt, a fabulous celebration of music, history, and the joy of playing together.

Here’s to the next 100 years – full of friendship, laughter, and the odd high note that only the local dogs can hear.

Friday 29th August, marks 100 years since the official opening of the Bandroom.

After the foundation stones had been laid on January 31st 1925, the official opening ceremony for the completed Bandroom was held on Saturday August 29th 1925.

The Opening Ceremony.

There was a very large crowd at Inghead on Saturday August 29th 1925 to see the opening ceremony performed by Mr. Harry Wood, musical director of orchestras in Blackpool and Douglas, Isle of Man. In addition to the Slaithwaite Band, the Marsden and Scapegoat Hill Bands played along the road from Hill Top and later in a field near the Bandroom.

A knife and fork tea was served afterwards to about 350 persons and there was dancing in the large room. It was stated during the proceedings that the cost of the new building had been £1,600.

Since that day, the Bandroom has not only been used as a rehearsal space. It has hosted Band concerts, dances, all male pantomimes, private parties, exercise groups, Christmas gatherings, contests, beer festivals, entertainment evenings and all matters of celebrations.

We at Slaithwaite Band are very proud our Bandroom, that has been our home for the last 100 years, and count ourselves very lucky to have such a fantastic premises.

This achievement, of course, has only been possible due to the hard work and dedication from volunteer committee members, band members, and associates from the last 100 years.

We thank them all for the commitment they have shown to Slaithwaite Bandroom.