Recent History of the Band

The band over the last ten years has survived where many other bands in the area have failed to continue going.  A combination of committed members, forward planning and enjoyable music making have help the band to continue the tradition of brass band music making the North East as well as attract players who have no ‘brass band’ heritage.

In 2000 the band attracted sponsorship from the Five Rivers Group.  Sadly this arrangement only last one year after changes in the company, although the band adopted the name until 2007.

The band moved from Backworth Club to the Into Change in Moorside in 2004, a move which also coincided with the formation of a junior band, led by Dennis Taylor and local members.

The band has had much success in competitions, the main being a promotion to the 3rd section nationally in 2005.  We have also won contests in as far a field places as Whitehaven and Durham.  We have also featured in many high-profile events, such as several TV appearances for the BBC and ITV, staring on stage at the Theatre Royal and Whitley Bay Playhouse, as well as popular gatherings in the area.

The band is now conducted by Colin Harris, a long-time member of the band and many members of the band have been with the band for more than 20 years.  The introduction of the junior band and new players from the areas has help to strengthen the band for the forthcoming years.