CELEBRATING 150 YEARS!
Skipton Brass Band started
from humble beginnings
in the 1870's as Jack Guy's
Skipton Mission Band (see photo),
as a temperance organisation
and is now thought to be
Skipton's oldest secular musical
organisation.
Re-formed after World War I as
Skipton Prize Band,
the band enjoyed much contest
success at Crystal Palace in the
1920's and 1930's under the direction of its most famous conductor, Fred Metcalfe.
After difficulties in intervening years, the band forged close links with local schools in the 1970's, producing a vigorous and thriving Senior and Youth Band which laid the foundations for its rise from fourth section, to championship section status between 1977 and 1989.
Along the way, the band has been privileged to contest at many national finals in such places as the Royal Albert Hall, the Cardiff International Arena and the
Birmingham Symphony Hall and has undertaken numerous broadcasts on television
and radio.
The band remains amateur despite its considerable success in the past. Playing members receive no remuneration. The band's success, over the years, has been due to the hard work and commitment of its players and supporters, as well as the continuing support of Skiptonian and local businesses.
It has also been through some challenging times over the years, particularly more recently during covid times as many players left. Hundreds of brass bands across the globe folded during these times due to lack of players and lack of money but Skipton Brass Band managed to hang in there with the dedicated work of a small group of band members raising funds and continuing to play. Now the band has built up again with new people joining the ensemble and some old faces reappearing.
Skipton Brass is always happiest playing locally, and Skiptonians and visitors alike can hear the band at the Remembrance Day Parade, playing at Skipton Sheep Day and carolling at Christmas . The band has always been, is now, and will always remain a town band with the name "Skipton" prominent in its title.
