History

Longridge is a small town approximately six miles east of Preston. Quarrying was once an important industry around Longridge and the stone was used in the construction of many important buildings in the North West. The industrial revolution played its part too, and several cotton mills provided employment for many local people. Being surrounded by beautiful countryside Longridge was also a market town.

The exact origins of Longridge Band are a little uncertain, but the first public performance can be traced back to 1845, making it one of the oldest brass bands in the country.

One of the most notable aspects of the band is its pride in its heritage and continual involvement in the local community. There are still a number of local people playing in the band. The longest serving member has played with the band for over 40 years. The band also boasts a reformed Youth Band, with thirty plus members attending each week.

What many would argue was the band’s proudest day came in 1996 when the band took first place in the first section of the National Championships of Great Britain. The award still displaying pride and place within the bandroom.

The band has performed in various countries including France, Germany, Holland and Spain. The band’s most recent tour was in October 2015, when several members of the band visited Ypres, Belgium. As well as playing as part of the Menin Gate Memorial Service, one of the most poignant moments was visiting and playing hymns at an ex-bandmember’s grave, Richard Wallbank.

The band has achieved many notable contest successes in recent years under the direction of Mark Peacock. These include:

Northern Open Champions (2011)

Rochdale NWABBA First Section Champions (2016)

Brass at the Guild Preston Contest- First Section Champions (2016 & 2019)

Bolsover Festival of Brass Championship Section- Third Place and best soloist- Holly Clark (2019)

The band regularly stages innovative concerts to sell out audiences. In 2018 we hosted a Festival of Remembrance/ Street Party event to mark one hundred years since the end of the First World War. The concert was streamed over the internet to hundreds of viewers around the world by brasspass.tv. On display at this concert was an old bass drum, which proudly displays the bands motto Friends Above All.

 

A book, ‘Longridge Brass Band – From School yard to the Albert Hall’ by Peter Vickers, is available, and covers more of the band’s history in a light-hearted and enjoyable manner.