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 re-formed in 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 then, the band has broadcast on radio and television, and taken part in events locally, nationally, and internationally.
In
1981 the band travelled to West Germany (as it was) and gave a number of well received concerts. At the end of 1988 it was decided
to remove the word Silver from the band's name, and to resume contesting.
In June 1993, the band travelled
to Denmark for a concert tour, including performance at the Tivoli Gardens. The band
was awarded a National Lottery Grant in 1998, that helpd to buy new instruments and equipment.
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.
Do you
have any historic Flixton Band memorabilia?
If
you have any item or information relating to Flixton Band
history, and are willing to donate or lend to our archives,
please contact us.
