A decade of hard work and unprecedented success will be celebrated a little later this year when the Oldham (Lees) Band look back on their first 10 years at a special concert in Uppermill.

Inspired

The band was formed in August 2004 from the contesting ashes of the defunct Oldham Brass ’97, with inspirational conductor John Collins persuading young players from local schools and youth bands to come together under his weekly direction.

That inspiration has now seen 10 years of amazing success — with the band rising from the lower reaches of the Fourth Section all the way to Championship Section status — winning 52% of all the contests they have entered.

Victories

Five or the original line up of players from 2004 still play in the band — with John still providing the musical inspiration from the helm.

Along the way the band has notched up a record five consecutive North West Regional title wins, as well as victories at Pontins, Tameside, Brass at the Guild Hall and Fleetwood amongst others.

Top section debuts

In 2013 they made their debut appearance at the Spring Festival at Blackpool and later this year head to Cheltenham as they look to claim the First Section National title.

The band will make its Championship Section North West area debut in 2015.

I’m so proud to still be stood in front of this fantastic team after 10 years, and I continue to develop as a conductor with the bandMD, John Collins

Proud

MD, John Collins told 4BR: "I’m so proud to still be stood in front of this fantastic team after 10 years, and I continue to develop as a conductor with the band.

Our celebrations will be well publicised and we are looking forward to seeing friends old and new."