Brighouse & Rastrick recently held their annual open day at their famous West Riding bandroom, where over 100 patrons and supporters were able to enjoy a wonderful display of their rich history, dating back to 1885.

Awards

A myriad of awards won over the years were on show, including the coveted Belle Vue Trophy that Brighouse claimed outright after a hat trick of victories between 1932 – 1934 and a fourth consecutive win in 1936 (they were banned in 1935!)

The winning banners and medals from the 1929 Belle Vue contest, which was the first major contest that the band ever won, as well as the 1946 National Contest were also shown, as were some of the iconic purple tunics and uniforms players have worn with pride – some from the 1930’s and 1940’s, as well as the current, ‘Whit Friday’ uniform.

Future

The future of the band was also on display too, with Dean Redfern, Musical Director of the soon to be launched Brighouse & Rastrick Youth Band meeting a number of prospective new players and their parents.

He told 4BR: "We will be welcoming players between 12 and 18 years of age and will also be holding a similar session at the bandroom on 4th May between 10.00am and 2.00pm."

The winning banners and medals from the 1929 Belle Vue contest, which was the first major contest that the band ever won, as well as the 1946 National Contest were also shown4BR

Welcome

Dean stressed that he wouldn’t be holding formal audition sessions which he felt were unfair when such young players were involved.

The ladies from the B&R supporters group provided refreshments and band members and officials were on hand together with Derek Rawlinson, B&R’s official archivist and former Chairman to show guests around the purpose built bandroom.