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.

Come and join us as Slaithwaite Oompah Band front an Octoberfest evening hosted by Marsden Golf Club. Friday 18th October. Tickets £15 available from Marsden Golf Club.

In October 2024, the Band were once again joined by the Colne Valley Male Voice Choir to perform a spectacular joint Concert in front of a full St James Church, in Slaithwaite.

We were also joined be Radio Broadcaster Andrew Edwards who was compere for the event.

Tickets are now on sale for our joint Anniversary Concert with the Colne Valley Male Voice Choir and the Colne Valley Boys Choir. The concert will be compered by Andrew Edwards from BBC Radio Leeds. This concert will take place at St. James Church Slaithwaite at 2:30pm Sunday 16th October. Tickets are £10 for adults. under 12’s are free.

Book your tickets here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/slaithwaite-band

 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our much-loved Euphonium player Peter Brier. He passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday 22^nd January.

 Pete joined the band in 1998, having previously played with Linthwaite Band, Scapegoat Hill Brass and Huddersfield Wind Band. He spent many years with Slaithwaite Band on the Solo Euphonium chair before standing down and continuing to play 2nd Euphonium.

 During his time with the Band, Pete loved performing in many local Concerts and will be fondly remembered for his fantastic Solo efforts including a special performance of ‘The Rose’ that was arranged for Pete and the Band by then Musical Director, Rob Westacott. Peter said one of his favourite Banding moments was a Remembrance Concert in Slaithwaite Church under MD Kevin Lever, that featured a lights out moment and visual presentation.

 On the contest stage, Pete helped the Band achieve success with victories at Rochdale, Ripon, Pogson Bray, the Holme Valley, Brass at the Guild, and at the Yorkshire Regional Area Contests, which led to him accompanying the Band to four National Final appearances. His favourite test piece was “Rhapsodic Variations – My Strength, My Tower” and his least favourite was “Pentacle”.

 As well as being a committed playing member of the Band; Pete also did a lot of work behind the scenes for both the Band and the Band Club. He kept the gardens surrounding the Band Club nice and tidy. He oversaw the weekly running of the Band’s Bonus Ball Club, which consistently raised much needed funds for the band, and also maintained an inventory of all the Band’s instruments.

 Pete’s passion, enthusiasm and commitment to the Band was acknowledged when he was twice voted as the player’s Bandsman of the Year, and was also presented with the Unsung Hero Award at the Band’s awards night in 2020.  Not only was Pete a true committed Bandsman, he was a kind and generous man, and a true and loyal friend to all and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Jo and his family at this sad time.

***Press Release***

The Band has recently developed our impressive social club and Bandroom and a new makeover has really improved the band’s proud HQ.

Musical makeovers have seen the band link up with Sandy Smith, a great friend of the band, who is leading the band through its busy Christmas programme of events.

The band are also excited to announce that Leigh Baker will take on the musical director role in the new year to lead the band’s musical makeover.

Leigh said “this is a band with a great history and a fabulous set up. They have huge potential and I’m delighted to be working with them.”

Band manger Mark Eastwood said ” these are exciting times for the band, being able to work with both Leigh and Sandy”

The band will celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2022 and plans are underway for new projects as well as new musical initiatives.

Sandy Smith will retain his links with the band in an associate role.

Exciting times for Slaithwaite!

While playing activities at the bandroom came to halt; it gave the club an opportunity to carry out some refurbishments of the lounge bar. The bar room was re-decorated and had new upholstery placed on the seating. New table tops and bar tops were also put in.

The band is back together following on from its break due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Players have returned and the band is back rehearsing again each Tuesday and Friday back in the bandroom from 8pm-10pm.

Keep an eye out for our future events when you can once again return to the bandroom to see us live in concert.

Unfortunately, due to the on-going situation with Covid-19, all playing activities including Rehearsals and Performances, are currently suspended, following guidance from Brass Band England, and The Government.

Band Members have however been enjoying weekly Virtual Quiz Nights, that have been a huge success, and great fun!

Band Members also enjoyed competing in a Virtual Lockdown Solo Competition! An impressive 22 entry’s were received, including from members who had never played a Solo before! This was followed by a Virtual Awards Night, where the Winner’s were Congratulated. A fantastic evening was had be all!

We look forward to returning to the Band Club, playing, rehearsing, and performing for you all as soon as we are able.