A chill reminder of the challenges faced by brass bands up and down the country has come with the announcement that Worsbrough Brass has taken the decision to end its musical activities.

Formed in 1993 in the south Yorkshire district south of Barnsley, they won the Yorkshire Regional Fourth Section title in 2010 under conductor John Hopkinson, going on to come 13th at the National Final.

They also enjoyed success at the Rothwell Music Festival and Bolsover Entertainment Contest and gained podium finishes at the Yorkshire Area again in 2012 and 2014.

Their last competitive appearance came in 2018 at the Yorkshire & Humberside event. It is understood that its instruments have been donated to other sources in accordance with their constitution.

Announcement

In an announcement made on their Facebook page they said: "It is with a heavy heart that Worsbrough Brass officially closes its doors today.

Over the last 30 years we have made friends and memories that we will never forget. However, the struggles we have faced over the last few years have at last proved to be too much.

Thank you to everyone for all your support — it is more appreciated than you will ever know. From all of us here at WB. Forever grateful for our time together."

Over the last 30 years we have made friends and memories that we will never forget. However, the struggles we have faced over the last few years have at last proved to be too muchWorsbrough Brass

Responses

Responses to the news have been many and widespread, with conductor and adjudicator David Hirst posting, "Such a shame. Worsbrough have been a good village band for a long time and tried very hard to keep going through difficult times.

Bands like Worsbrough are so important to the future of brass bands that they should be supported. Barnsley has lost a great number of bands over the last few decades and the loss of Worsbrough is very sad indeed."