*
banner

Hitchin enjoy 150th anniversary celebrations

Its been a wonderful year of celebration for the Hitchin Band as they enjoy a fantastic 150th birthday.

Hitchin Band
  The Hitchin Band has enjoyed a wonderful 150th anniversary this year.

The Hitchin Band has been busy throughout 2016 celebrating their 150th anniversary, and recently brought to a close their special anniversary with the release of a brand new CD.

The band was formed in 1866, giving their debut performance on Christmas Eve, and have since become a successful cornerstone of music making in and around Hitchin — including this year when they claimed a podium finish at the First Section Area contest in Stevenage.

Celebrations

The band held a reunion event in June, attracting past players from as far away as the USA and as far back as half a century. This was followed by a twinning exchange by the Sponsheim Band from Germany who played two joint concerts as part of the Rhythms of the World and celebrations for the Queen's birthday, whilst Hitchin also took part in a live music production of 'Brassed Off!'

CD release

However, the most important celebration came with the recording of the 150th anniversary CD, entitled, 'Because', and which was named after an arrangement of a song specially commissioned for solo horn player, Sarah Gibbons.

The CD also includes tracks that reflect the spirit of the history of the band and was released at a special concert this weekend in the town.

It's been a great experience sharing the band's history, playing so many concerts and recording a CD as well as supporting our young musiciansBand Secretary Mike Thorn

Busiest year

Band Secretary Mike Thorn told 4BR: "This year has probably been the busiest in our history. From January to the end of December we performed in 35 concerts, entered two contests and hosted several social events. We also raised almost £3,500 for local charities with more expected through the Christmas period.

It's been really hard work but great fun and all the players have risen to the challenge and the standard of music has gone from strength to strength."

Support

Mike added: "We've been overwhelmed by the support of people from Hitchin and the surrounding area. It's been a great experience sharing the band's history, playing so many concerts and recording a CD as well as supporting our young musicians."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brass in Concert

Just 10 and counting for Brass in Concert

October 18 • There are now just 10 tickets left before the sold-out signs are posted for the Brass in Concert Championships.


Jenkins

Armed Man comes to Swansea

October 18 • Sir Karl Jenkins will lead the Aldbourne Band in the Welsh premiere of his new brass band version of 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace' at the Brangwyn Hall on Sunday.


Tivoli

Dutch bands prepare for Gregson National challenges

October 18 • Works by Edward Gregson will test the competing bands at the Dutch National Championships in Utrecht.


Rochdale

Full day of contest action in Rochdale

October 18 • If you are in the area why not pop along to enjoy the competitive action at Wardle Academy


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Oxted Brass Band - Tom Smith (Brighouse & Rastrick)

Saturday 18 October • St John’s, Hurst Green, Kent RH8 9EA


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd