The Long Melford Silver Band has been a feature of the village since its first public performance in July 1894. The local parish magazine of the day asked for " . .your kindest consideration for first efforts!" but the band was well received, and was booked for many fetes and parades that season. It has been entertaining us more or less ever since.

Here we can tell you this season's engagements, and a little of our history. Do come and listen!

Engagements for 2008

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History

In the early years the band had a strong connection with the Suffolk Regiment 2nd Volunteer Battalion (TA), and became the band of 'C' company until 1911. Then, and for many years afterwards, it provided the music at large numbers of public events, including open air concerts and promenade dances as well as processions.

The years around the 1939-45 war were difficult, and it was not until 1947 that the band really began to recover the momentum of earlier years. In 1949, however, they won a silver cup in the first band contest they had entered. What had been the "Long Melford Brass Band" was renamed as the "Long Melford Silver Prize Band" in honour of that event. Within a very few years the name was shortened to "The Long Melford Silver Band" which it has been ever since.

In their time the band have appeared on TV (1969), won the Suffolk Championship (first in 1966), and on one early occasion sunk into a lake when the platform on which they were playing subsided. Nothing if not variety!

Now, in 2004, the band is still going after well over a hundred years. They meet in the Old School Community Centre on Wednesday evenings, and are always looking for new members, both experienced and beginners. Contact: Mike Murkin, (Band Committee Member) on 01787 312605

The current Bandmaster (in post since 2002) is Tony Martin. We look forward to a busy season under his direction.

For the Record . . .

Here is a picture of the band at their Christmas Concert in the Long Melford Village Hall in December 2004.

A great annual occasion; it gives pleasure to a great many people in the village every Christmas.

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