Brass Band Summer Series Kicks Begins at NCMME

Posted By: Christopher Morganon: June 25, 2024In: Current Affairs, News, Regional News

Brass Band performers at NCMME. Credit JMA Photography, taken at Bold as Brass event on 15 June 2024 (Whitwell Brass Band).

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By Joshua Robinson –

This June and July there will be visiting brass bands giving free performances every weekend until the start of the summer holidays at the National Coal Mining Museum for England (NCMME).

Seven bands will be taking it in turns to perform at the Museum from Sunday 23rd June to Saturday 20th July, with some ensembles local to the area (Wakefield and Huddersfield) and some travelling from further afield (Mansfield and Oldham). Visitors will hear brass banding classics, interpretations of film and show tunes, singalong anthems, and much more.

The Summer Series highlights the importance of brass bands within coal mining communities, demonstrating their ability to unite people and provide a creative outlet for miners. The long history and evolution of brass banding is also echoed, from the oldest band performing – Dodworth Colliery Brass Band (founded in 1836) – to Grange Moor Youth Training Band, whose young performers are keeping the tradition alive for future generations.

Bands and performance dates are as follows:

Sun 23rd June – Uppermill Brass Band
Sat 29th June – Sherwood Forest Brass Band
Sun 30th June – Grange Moor Brass Band
Sat 6th July – Grange Moor Youth Training Band
Sun 7th July – Huddersfield and Ripponden Brass Band
Sun 14th July – Dodworth Colliery Brass Band
Sat 20th July – Hade Edge Band

Bands will perform 45-minute sets in the Pit Yard three times between 11:45 am – 4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring their own camping chairs to enjoy these free performances taking place each weekend.

Saturday 6th July will prove to be a particularly exciting date in the Summer Series as the Museum’s Youth Arts Festival entitled ‘Rock Hard Revolt’ takes place. The day-long free event organised by the Coal Camaraderie Youth Panel boasts craft workshops, live music, and theatre, and culminates in a placard march.

Lynn Dunning, CEO at NCMME said: “We are thrilled to be hosting a fantastic array of brass bands over the next two months, bringing us into summer in style. Brass banding is a huge part of our heritage and keeps the spirit and stories of coal mining alive for all ages with their unmistakable sound.”