*
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    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd