History of the Band
Double celebration as the band celebrates it's 130th Birthday...[more]
Originally formed in 1877, the Flixton Volunteer Band was the result
of the formation of the Flixton 1st Volunteer Battalion, Manchester Regiment.
(This was the Territorial Army of the period.) The services of the band were in
much demand and it gradually became known locally as the Flixton Volunteers Band. The
band was on duty to play when the Manchester Ship Canal was opened by Queen Victoria
in 1894. The band became an important fixture within the local community, performing
at church events, cricket matches, garden parties, flower shows, and other local
events. In 1908, with the termination of the Volunteers, the band became known
as the Flixton Brass Band. The depression of the 1930's took it's toll, and in
1933, with many players leaving the area to find work, and people not having enough
spare time, the band disbanded. Some of the instruments were held in trust in
the hope that the band would be reformed at a future date.
The
band did not reform until 1967, when it became known as the Flixton Silver Band,
and was granted permission to use the Urmston coat of arms on band uniforms, and
stationery. Since 1967, the band has broadcast on both television, and radio,
and have taken part in many important events, locally, nationally, and internationally.
In
1981, the band travelled to West Germany, (as it was) and over a period of one
week, gave a number of well received concerts. At the end of 1988 a major re-organisation
took place in the band. A number of new players joined with the same objective,
which was to build the band into a highly successful organisation. It was decided
to remove the word Silver from the band's name, thus becoming known as the Flixton
Band.
Owing to the experience of many of the new members,
the band was automatically upgraded from the fourth, to the third section.Since
the band resumed competing at contests at the end of 1989, it has achieved
a formidable list of successes. Some of the more notable results are :-
Pontin's
Regional third section champions 1990 & 1991. Third place in the Pontin's
third section final 1990, and in 1991 the band became the Pontin's third section
champions. In 1990 & 1991, the band represented the North West region in the
third section of the National Championships of Great Britain, after being runners
up at the regional contest in 1990, and champions in 1991. In January 1992, the
band was promoted to the National second section, and at the area championships,
was placed second. Due to this result the band again represented the region at the
National Championships Final, where it was were runner up.
The
band are currently competing nationally in the third section, and championship section
standard for all contests in the North West Counties area. In 1994, the band won
the Championship section of the Fleetwood contest. In June 1993, the band travelled
to Denmark for a week long concert tour. Whilst in Denmark, the band performed
at a number of venues, including the World famous Tivoli Gardens.In March 1998,
the band was runner up in the regional championships, and again represented
the North West Region at the National Finals, held in September 1998. The band
was awarded a £50574 National Lottery Grant during 1998, towards the cost
of purchasing new instruments and equipment. In 1999, the Flixton Band were awarded
2nd prize at the prestigious Milton Keynes Entertainment Contest. During 2000,
Flixton Band was again prize-winners at the regional Championships, but narrowly
missed out on representing the region at the National Finals.
At
the end of 2001, due to the help of Trafford Council, Flixton Band moved into
a new bandroom. The Old Library, Flixton, is now firmly established, as the home
of this historic band.
The Flixton Band is currently a subscription
band, and does not have the luxury of any sponsorship. The band is supported entirely
through members weekly subscriptons, engagement fees and prize money. Potential sponsors of the band are always welcome.
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