About Littleborough Brass Band
162 Years and counting!
The first recorded performance for the band was on 20th December 1862 when a newly formed Littleborough Public Silver Band performed for the Littleborough Relief Fund (which was possibly in aid of the problems following the Gale floods). This performance was documented in the Rochdale Observer.
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The band was originally formed from three bands, one of which was Littleborough Temperance Band. The band re-enacted the War of the Roses with Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band on York Train Station platform. This was in 1876 and followed a contest where Littleborough beat Brighouse again!
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Littleborough Band won the British Open Championships at the Kings Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester in 1883. One of the first Whit Friday Quick Step Contests outside Saddleworth was held in Chadderton in the 1890’s and Littleborough travelled to compete, attaining second place.
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In 2001, Matthew Bailey took over as the band’s conductor. Beginning with only a handful players, over the next few years Matthew was able to build up the band until there was a full compliment of players. During this time Matthew was able to bring stability to the band and helped the band to grow in its musical ability and as a result, the band was able to resume taking part in contests from Lancashire to Yorkshire which led to a 2nd place at Greenfield on the Whit Friday Marches. At the end of 2007, Matthew decided to continue his playing career and therefore resigned as Musical Director.
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From 2008, Doug Clarkson was appointed as the band’s Musical Director. Due to unforeseeable health problems, Doug Clarkson announced his resignation from the band and Adrian Woodhead was appointed temporary conductor during the summer months to lead the band through one of the busiest periods. Following a committee meeting in September 2008, it was decided to appoint Adrian as the band’s full time Musical Director.​ In 2012, the band were promoted to the third section. ​In April 2019, Adrian made the difficult decision to step down as Musical Director to spend more time with his family.
Alan Seymour was then appointed as Musical Director. Alan has over 25 years of conducting experience starting with a 10-piece pro brass group to his most recent position as MD with Goodshaw. He past the baton to Sam Fisher who took the band for a short period from January 2020 gaining a 3rd placing at the North West regional contest before Covid-19 meant the band had to take a break.
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Following Covid-19, the band rebuilt through outdoor and social distanced rehearsals. Joe Marsden then took over the band until the North West Regional Contest in 2023 at which point Ashley Higgins became the band's Musical Director. Since that time, Ashley has worked hard to develop the band and held sold out concerts and achieved successful contest results. The band look forward to what the future holds ...