Welcome to the Downton Band Website
The band after playing at the National Finals on 26 September 2010 (click photo to see names)
***Downton Band's famous Cuckoo Fair Concert***
Sunday 6th May doors 7pm - Tickets available from April! Watch this space!!!
Thank you for your interest in Downton Band!
As we roll towards our 140th year, we’re pleased to announce we’re as busy as ever and our diary is bursting with engagements including private parties, weddings, fetes, public concerts (some freebies!) and of course our annual contest at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
The Band is a non-for profit charity organisation, funded by member subscriptions, kind donations and of course the engagements performed throughout the year. If you are interested in booking the band for your function or event, please contact our secretary by visiting our ‘Contact Us’ page where we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
As an integral part of village life, here in Downton, the Band in turn serve the community through key events including Armistice Day, key church services and public concerts (notably our Summer concert in the beautiful settings of The Moot). You can also hear us every year at the annual Downton Cuckoo Fair in May, and of course carolling around the snowy village streets in the run up to Christmas.
In 2008 the Band was asked to perform, quite appropriately as the resident ‘pit orchestra’ playing the part of the “Grimley Colliery Band”, in Salisbury Studio Theatre’s successful productions of the 1996 Award Winning & BAFTA Nominated film “Brassed Off”!
In addition, we are proud to have a thriving Training Band encouraging a new generation of enthusiastic players. As part of the Downton Band, they are fully functioning brass band in their own right, performing their own calendar of concerts and contests. Initially set up as a feeder to the main band, the Training Band aims to encourage the musical talents of anyone wishing to join regardless of background. Currently the members, from primary school age through to 70+ enjoy their music making here, at the Band Hall on Wednesday evenings at 6.45pm.
The Downton Band meets after the Training Band rehearsal on Wednesdays at 8pm. Under the baton of resident MD Roland Wright, the band have succeeded in appearing at the National Finals for 2 years in quick succession, and deservedly been promoted to the Third section nationally. Contest preparations include guest conductor and euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead, who adds invaluable experience and guidance at rehearsal level.
If you would like to know more about joining or booking either of the bands, or indeed if you would like to sponsor us or make a donation to further the future of this superb local organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Bookings & enquiries to: secretary@downtonband.org.uk