The Becontree Band has always been proud to have been described as the 'finest brass band to hail from the Barking and Dagenham area' — despite starting out their existence in a park keeper's hut in Dagenham in 1981!

Innovative

Ever since, the band's main objective has been to put on innovative concerts in order to entertain audiences, although they have also notched up many notable contest victories in recent years, both locally and at national level.

However, it came as something of a blow last year when the band had to move out of their home at the Barnardo's Church in Barkingside, which they had enjoyed for the past decade, to begin a somewhat nomadic existence, rehearsing anywhere they could find a roof over their heads for the evening.

Salvation

Thankfully though, salvation came in the form of Loughton Methodist Church, which has provided a regular venue for Monday night band practice, if not a base for equipment and music library which remains in various East London spare bedrooms and Essex garages.

Despite this relocation, Becontree Brass remains closely associated with their original musical birthplace and will be honoured to perform in Barking on the forthcoming visit by The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on July 16th4BR

Royal return

Despite this relocation, Becontree Brass remains closely associated with their original musical birthplace and will be honoured to perform in Barking on the forthcoming visit by The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on July 16th.

Meanwhile, the people of Loughton will get their first chance to hear their new resident band in a concert of music at their new home on Saturday 18th July.