History of Marsden Band

In The Beginning

Marsden Band was formed in 1889 following the decision of the Holme Mills Brass Band to change its name to reflect the name of its village. At this time the main industry in Marsden village was wool - with numerous textile mills dotted around the landscape. Marsden had little if any transport links to and from the nearest large town of Huddersfield and so unsurprisingly the Band's membership was made up of mostly mill workers. The Band had no headquarters and led a nomadic existence holding rehearsals at a succession of different hostelries around the village.

Early Band Life

Marsden Band History - Early Band Life

Marsden Band was a typical village band, spending its time rehearsing for and playing in contests and playing at the usual social events organised by the local community. They also participated in local celebrations such as a march that was held to mark the end of the Boer War. Highlights were appearing in the annual carnival, and the opening of the new bandstand in 1912; which was a big occasion for this mill village.

Mid Century

Marsden Band History - Mid Century

Records are sketchy of contests, but an achievement that stands out was the 1st place at Belle Vue in 1936, as well as appearances in the British Open in the 1930's. The Band managed to keep going through WW2 and survived where many bands fell by the wayside - even though rehearsals were sparsely attended and so many of its members were serving soldiers. The Band bounced back in 1946 and are on record as having competed in the first Yorkshire area held in that year.

Band Progresses

Marsden Band History - Band Progresses

After WW2 time marched on and the Band continued in much the same vein as in the beginning of the century, with local galas and carnivals to keep it occupied. Milestones included rebuilding and refurbishing its headquarters (which used to house a fish and chip shop) and in 1961 the arrival of their 1st female brass player! But competitively, although there are contest successes on record, the Band remained in the lower sections - until the arrival of Alan Widdop in the early 1990's, followed by Glyn Williams in 2004.

Marching Onwards

Marsden Band History - Marching Onward

No history of Marsden Band is complete without mention of its success at march contests. Over the last twenty years the Band has built up an enviable reputation, with accolades including Brighouse Champions for three consecutive years, frequent wins at Morley and Hebden Bridge, as well as winning other local march contests. But it is Whit Friday where the Band really come into their own, having been crowned Local Saddleworth Champions many times. The band contests on Whit Friday began as evening entertainment for the bands that had spent the morning marching with their local church processions. Up until 2012, Marsden still continued to participate in the morning walk from Diggle to Uppermill, which made the evenings successes all the more meaningful. There is an immense sense of pride felt by the Band on Whit Friday each year as they process down the high street at Delph to the accompanying cheers and applause.

Looking Forward

Marsden Band History - Looking Forward

After 11 successful years with Marsden Band, Glyn Williams departed for new challenges in South Wales. Following a brief musical partnership with John Hinckley, the band welcomed the return of Alan Widdop in October 2016 as Musical Director of the band, during which time the band gained 1st place at the Yorkshire Regional Brass Band Championships in March 2017, and subsequently representing Yorkshire at the National Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham later in the year.
When Alan Widdop decided to stand down, the band appointed Andrew Lofthouse as Musical Director in October 2018.

"Lofty", as he is affectionately known, previously played in the band on Soprano Cornet under the direction of Glyn Williams for a number of years before moving to Fodens Band and a successful career as a musician in the Royal Air Force.

Following the band's performance in the Yorkshire 1st Section contest in March 2020, like many other organistations, the band had to endure an extended break during the COVID-19 Pandemic. A significant challenge, the band aimed to press on, participating in some pre-recorded online competitions and concerts. The band was eventually able to resume rehearsals together in June 2021, and following a rebuilding and a return to a version of "normal life", the band went on to qualify for the National Finals once again in 2022, and participate in Whit Friday 2022, where the band won Best Local Band in Saddleworth and were placed as champions in the Uppermill Contest.

No matter where we go, we always remain proud ambassadors for the village of Marsden.