The final chord has been performed by Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Band following an announcement made by its trustees of the decision to formally wind-up the organisation.

It brings to an end 140 plus years of history for the High Peak based band in Derbyshire that included a Second Section National Championship of Great Britain victory in 1955, British Open Spring Festival Junior Trophy success in 1963 and a trio of appearances at the British Open.

They appeared at the Second Section National Finals in 2000 and last took to the contest stage in 2010 at the Fourth Section Midlands Area and Buxton Festival.

Statement

In a statement, the trustees stated: "Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision that Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Band will be folding.

The band never really managed to get going again properly after COVID and, in recent years, we have been left with only a handful of players around the stand — all of whom also play with other local bands.

With the lease on our band room now coming up, we feel that this is the right time to bring the band to a close."

Fund

They added: "With any money remaining in the band's accounts, we are hoping to establish a small trust or fund offering grants to support youth music-making in the local area. We feel this would be a fitting way for the band to continue supporting local music into the future."

In thanking those who has played with, supported or been involved with the organisation, a request has been made for the return of any instruments.