Swinton & District Excelsior Band has joined Brighouse & Rastrick in being honoured in becoming a recipient of The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is made to local voluntary groups in the UK, and is an equivalent to an individual MBE. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.

The band is one of 262 local charities, social enterprise and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

Dedicated team

Based in the village of Swinton near Malton in North Yorkshire, Swinton & District Excelsior are a proud village band run by a hugely dedicated team volunteers whose mission is to keep brass band music making alive and available to all by providing free tuition, instrument loans and membership.

Representatives of the band will receive the crystal award and certificate from Johanna Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire. In addition, two volunteers will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

The band is run by a group of dedicated and committed volunteers and members all giving up their time to freely behind the scenes, practicing, rehearsing and performingBand Secretary, Tracey Popham

Delighted

Band Secretary, Tracey Popham told 4BR: "We are delighted that our group's hard work has been recognised. The band is run by a group of dedicated and committed volunteers and members all giving up their time to freely behind the scenes, practicing, rehearsing and performing.

This prestigious award comes as we start actively raising funds for a new bandroom roof and start to plan activities to celebrate our 90th anniversary year in 2026."

Amazing volunteers

Tracey added: "We are delighted that it recognises our amazing volunteers who have helped us create our vibrant band, bringing brass music and opportunities to all with free membership and lessons along with free concerts within the heart of the community."