*
banner

Kirkbymoorside look forward to another double century

A band with a rich community history raises over £370,000 to secure the next 200 years of its future...

Kirk
  Members and supporters of the band undertook some incredible fund raising efforts

There has been a band in Kirkbymoorside on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors for over 200 years.

They have been an integral part of the town's cultural hinterland ever since — proudly representing them at various national contests as well as innumerable local events, including the coronation celebrations of no less than seven monarchs.

A player has performed at every Last Post ceremony since the end of the First World War, whilst records show that band members fought in the Battle of Waterloo.

Fund raising

Now the band has raised over £370,000 from grants, generous benefactors and fund raising activities to secure the next 200 years of their future by completely rebuilding their 100 year old headquarters and rehearsal facilities.

Band spokesperson Emma Smailes told 4BR: "The band is intrinsically linked and woven through the very fabric of the town, its history and hopefully, its future.

We have always been proud to provide free tuition and instruments to anyone who wishes to learn and have the joy of having brass band music in their life.

At present we have over 130 players who currently play in our Beginner, Learner, Training, Shining Brass, Community and Senior bands with an age span that goes from 6 to 86. Our doors are open to everyone."

Opening day

The new rehearsal facility, which opens on 22nd September, incorporates a 200 seat concert hall on Manor Vale in Kirkbymoorside, the location of the band's home since 1918.

The community link will be enhanced by sharing the facilities with the local Scout Association, who have been part of a project which saw their old hut demolished to allow the new building work to progress.

Emma added: "We have completed the internal decoration work and are now putting the final touches in place in time for the opening.

It has been a remarkable effort to raise over £370,000 and we are eternally grateful for the generosity of our supporters, individuals, business and the help that we have received through our Charitable grant applications."

We've had cycle rides and charity sales, a player do a fun run with a tuba strapped to his back and even a granny and granddad making a sky dive!Kirkbymoorside Band

Fantastic facility

Emma added: "We've had cycle rides and charity sales, a player do a fun run with a tuba strapped to his back and even a granny and granddad making a sky dive!

You name it we've done it — and it has all enabled us to open a fantastic facility that will benefit our community for decades to come.

The next 200 years starts on the 22nd September and everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating it."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd