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Band
History
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NEW **
READ
ABOUT:
The
band's bandrooms
Composer
of the band's signature tune, Sam B Wood
The
band's uniforms
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NEW **
A
Brief History
The Brighouse
and Rastrick Band is undoubtedly the best and most consistent 'public
subscription band' in the world. The people of the villages of Brighouse
and Rastrick made donations to establish the band in the late
nineteenth century. Today it still continues to be supported through public
subscriptions and its own fund raising efforts. Traditionally its amateur
members pride themselves on being financially independent, yet are still
regarded as one of the 'elite' on both contest and concert
platform.
Evidence exists to show that a band existed
in Brighouse in 1858, but B&R officially celebrated its centenary in
1981. Until the 1920's the Brighouse and Rastrick Band could be described
as just another band, but their steady progress culminated in 1929 when
B&R won both the July and September Contests at Belle Vue Manchester,
a feat only achieved once before and not equalled since. The band won The
British Open Championship (September), again in 1932-33-34, was barred in
1935 but regained it in 1936. They have continued to feature in the prize
list ever since, but had to wait until 1978 to win the 'Open'
again.
In 1945 the National
Brass Band Championships of Great Britain began. B&R won this title
for the first time in 1946, conducted by a young Eric Ball, one of many
famous names to be associated with the band. When the World Championships
were introduced in 1968, B&R were the first World Champions,
successfully retaining the title in 1969 to become the only band to win
this short lived contest on more than one occasion. They were National
Champions again in 1973 and 1980, just missing out in their centenary year
1981 when they were runners up, but carrying off the European Championship
the following day.
In 1989 a new competition,
the All England Masters Brass Band Championships was established in
Cambridge. This quickly gained prestige, attracting entries from the top
bands in England. In 1993 Brighouse and Rastrick became the first
Yorkshire band to win this title.
The Brass Band Championships of Great
Britain were again won 1n 1998, the band was conducted to victory at The
Royal Albert Hall by professional conductor Allan Withington; successfully
defending the title won in 1997. Allan and the Band created a unique
triple of championship titles held in one year, when in May 1998, in
Kerkrade Holland, B&R won the title Champion Band of Europe; followed
three weeks later by victory at the All England Masters
Championships.
Brighouse & Rastrick’s
foundations for the new millennium were firmly established with a victory
for the band and Allan Withington in the 2001 All England Masters
Championships, Allan succeeds William Halliwell as the most successful of
the band’s professional conductors.
Success in 'media'
competitions has also been enjoyed by B&R. In 1968 they were BBC Band
of the Year and in 1975 Granada Television Band of the Year. B&R have
always been a prolific prize-winner at the Whit Friday Quick Step March
contests in the Saddleworth area of Northern England. The records show the
band have won more prizes than any other band - over 400 since
1910.
In 1977 B&R had unique
success in a more unusual way. For nine weeks they were at No.2 in the
British 'pop' charts with their recording of 'The Floral Dance'. Held off
the top by Paul McCartney, they still achieved sales of over a million,
earning both Gold and Silver discs.
Today, with countless
radio, TV broadcasts and recordings to its credit, the band is kept very
busy giving concert performances both nationally and
internationally.
The band moved into their
purpose built headquarters, 'West Ridings' in 1995, and is looking forward
to making their mark on the 21st century, upholding their traditions and
continuing in their success.
It is true to say that no other public
subscription band has held such high status for as long as:
THE BRIGHOUSE AND RASTRICK
BAND
© B&R 2002
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Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band