The History of Avonbank Brass Band

This is a picture of the Youth Club Band back in 1951. They had no uniforms in those days but always looked smartly dressed with white shirts/blouses and blue ties.

This is a photograph of Avonbank Brass Band in 1955 making it one of the earliest pictures of the of the band after the link with the Youth Club was ended.

Here's an historic photograph from about 1966. The band came 3rd in a contest at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester. The piece played was "Eine Klein Nachtmusik" by Mozart The photograph and information was kindly supplied by Roger Hartwell who was the 14 year old flugel player, (back row left). Roger now lives in Weston Super Mare after a 25-year career as a Royal Marine Musician. Thank you Roger.

The Band continued to flourish and in 1980 traveled to and toured Germany

This photograph shows the band just before their German tour in 1980 wearing their now familiar trademark red uniform.

.....and here they are in Germany....

The band has had many practice rooms within Evesham over the years but on the 18th of November 1996 with the help of the National Lottery funding the band moved into their very own band room in the Bengeworth area of the town. The new band room was named in memory of one of the bands founding Members, Mick Sharp.

The highlight of the bands contesting history came in 1991 when Avonbank qualified for the British Brass Band Championships (Third Section) and was subsequently promoted to the second section.

1998 marked the bands Fiftieth anniversary and to celebrate this occasion new uniforms were purchased so that Avonbank Brass Band could continue to look it's best where ever they perform.

Since 1991 the band slipped back into the third section but have consolidated their position. In the Midland Area Qualifying Championships the band has not been out of the top ten for a number of years.

In the Spring and Autumn each year the band performs concerts at the Evesham Arts Centre. These concerts often feature famous soloist from the world of brass bands and are very well attended. Please see the Band Diary page for details of forthcoming concerts.

2008 will be a special year for the band as we will be celebrating our 60th Anniversary.
Keep a look out for special celebratory events!

Bringing the story up to date.... A much more recent picture of the band after a concert at the Evesham Arts Centre