The history of brass bands

Brass bands, in various forms, have existed for over 200 years. Here are some sites/sources of general information about bands in the past. See the menu on the left for other categories.

  • Numerous books and articles about the history of bands are listed in the Brass Band Bibliography (currently 7,200).
    I have direct access to around 30% of these, so let me know if you have difficulty finding a particular item.
  • For those interested in researching the history of brass bands, there are a wide range of resources available. See the Historians & researchers page, which includes guidelines for researching the heritage of bands.
  • The History of Brass Bands Facebook Group has a wealth of information submitted by researchers, bandsmen and interested parties
  • My own articles and books can be found on the Historical Research page.
  • The comprehensive database of the Brass Band Results website provides details of contests over the last 200 years, with the bands, music, venues and conductors.

Links to historical information about brass band history in general
  • PMRC Brass Band Research Archive - Popular Music Research Centre - This houses a complete library of the National Youth Brass band of Great Britain, a large number of original scores and a unique, chronological collection of Brass Band News, ranging from 1882-1956 as well as a collection of band parts for test pieces used in the Belle Vue Contests between 1895-1916. Housed at the University of Salford.