1 July 2023

Wetherby Drovers' March Contest

Harrogate Band competed in the inaugural Wetherby Drovers' March Contest on Saturday. Amid a field of 15 bands from Championship Section to unregistered, Harrogate won first place for Deportment (marching through the streets of Wetherby to the march "True and Trusty"), third place in the contest march at the Riverside bandstand (playing "Knight Templar"), fourth place in the hymn tune (playing "In Perfect Peace"), and taking second place overall, with a total of 183 points.

7 May 2023

Coronation of King Charles III

Harrogate Band are proud to have had its own representation in the Coronation of King Charles III yesterday.

Nigel Jane, who is a member of the band's Solo Cornet section, was at the front of the Catterick Band of the British Army as its Drum Major. Nigel has been a member of the Corps of Army Music since 1989.

All at Harrogate Band congratulate Nigel on his participation in the coronation.

1 May 2023

Wetherby Bandstand

On the first bank holiday Monday of May, the band thoroughly enjoyed playing at Wetherby bandstand. We were rewarded with dry weather, a good crowd and ice cream in the interval for some.

There were some excellent solo contributions, including Kate on euphonium, Dave on cornet, Dan on trombone and the horn section.

Much of the programme is available to watch back on YouTube. There are also plenty more concerts coming up at Wetherby, happening each weekend for the rest of the summer.

For Harrogate Band, we've also got a busy summer of concerts and contests, so do keep an eye out for us across the local area.

12 March 2023

Malcolm no longer in the middle

The Harrogate Band and wider brass band community recently wished Malcolm Sexton a happy retirement who at the age of 86, has decided to take a step back from regular banding. Malcolm started playing at the age of 8 and a distinguished career as a cornet player saw him playing for many Salvation Army bands and the Royal Air Force, later holding the principal cornet seat with the Otley Brass Band for many years. Malcolm recalled performing Resurgam under the baton of Eric Ball "He was a fine conductor and one of the kindest men you could meet".

Malcolm was delighted to join the Harrogate Band in January 2023 and for the first time in his career, performed as a registered player at an area contest having never held a registration card! Much to the bands delight, Malcolm's contributions secured a 2" place finish in the North of England areas.

Band Chair, Simon Lancaster-Brown commented "Malcolm is a fine cornet player and we're delighted that he joined us. His impact on the world of brass banding cannot be underestimated over the last 80 years and he has inspired and mentored so many young players".

While Malcolm has chosen to take a step back from regular playing, he has already been told by his wife to ensure he keeps up practising for a least an hour a day to get out of the way! Malcolm's son, David will take over the family reigns, occupying the second man down position at the Harrogate Band.

11 March 2023

2nd place at the North of England 1st Section Championships

We were thrilled to come second in the 1st section of the North East area contest recently, playing A Day in the Life of a Knight. This means that we qualify for the National Finals in Cheltenham in September.

We happily welcomed some new faces for their first time competing with the band and are delighted that lots of them are staying with the band. Our new musical director Craig Ratcliffe made sure we were well-rehearsed, which definitely paid off on the day.

Having missed the previous three years due to the pandemic and covid-related matters, we were determined to attend and have a good time. Aside from our performance, another highlight of the day was rehearsing at Trimdon Grange, the village we represent proudly each year at the Durham Miners Gala in July.

We've got an exciting list of engagements coming up between now and the National Finals in September, so look out for more information about that coming soon.