Milnrow Band 150th anniversary concert

Milnrow Band at the 2017 National Championships of Great Britain

One of Britain’s oldest and most successful bands will be hosting a concert at Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday 21 March 2020 in celebration of their 150th year.

Made up of over 30 players of all ages, the band was first established in 1869 when several music-loving parishioners from St. Stephen’s Congregational Church formed a brass band.

The band has won many awards over its time. As recently as 2013, the band were awarded first place at the Grand Shield contest. One of the first brass band concerts ever given on the radio (or wireless) was performed by the band in a series of three broadcasts given before the Second World War. They changed their name twice during that time before settling on the name of the village the band was founded in – Milnrow.

The evening itself will be an enjoyable mix of music including tracks from the bands recently recorded album Heritage, a special commemorative CD made to mark the occasion. A former conductor of the band, champion whistler David Morris, will also be performing with the band. 

Band Manager, Francis Thewlis said: “It is a huge achievement reaching this milestone especially when there have been times when brass bands have struggled to survive with the ceasing of many sponsorship deals and uncertain financial stability.”

“Milnrow band relies solely on money raised from concerts and by collecting at Christmas around the villages of Milnrow and Newhey. The residents are always very generous, and this has enabled the band to survive and thrive at the highest level.

“The evening will be an enjoyable mix of music featuring some tracks from the bands recently recorded cd called Heritage. We are also thrilled to welcome a former conductor of the band, champion whistler David Morris, who will be performing with the band.”

“We hope as many people as possible will come and celebrate with us.”

Milnrow Band 150th Celebration Concert
Saturday 21 March 2020 7.30pm at Rochdale Town Hall
This is a free event but guests will require a ticket to enter.
For more information visit:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/65405/milnrow-band-150th-celebration-concert