There has been a band in Kirkbymoorside on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors for over 200 years.

They have been an integral part of the town's cultural hinterland ever since — proudly representing them at various national contests as well as innumerable local events, including the coronation celebrations of no less than seven monarchs.

A player has performed at every Last Post ceremony since the end of the First World War, whilst records show that band members fought in the Battle of Waterloo.

Fund raising

Now the band has raised over £370,000 from grants, generous benefactors and fund raising activities to secure the next 200 years of their future by completely rebuilding their 100 year old headquarters and rehearsal facilities.

Band spokesperson Emma Smailes told 4BR: "The band is intrinsically linked and woven through the very fabric of the town, its history and hopefully, its future.

We have always been proud to provide free tuition and instruments to anyone who wishes to learn and have the joy of having brass band music in their life.

At present we have over 130 players who currently play in our Beginner, Learner, Training, Shining Brass, Community and Senior bands with an age span that goes from 6 to 86. Our doors are open to everyone."

Opening day

The new rehearsal facility, which opens on 22nd September, incorporates a 200 seat concert hall on Manor Vale in Kirkbymoorside, the location of the band's home since 1918.

The community link will be enhanced by sharing the facilities with the local Scout Association, who have been part of a project which saw their old hut demolished to allow the new building work to progress.

Emma added: "We have completed the internal decoration work and are now putting the final touches in place in time for the opening.

It has been a remarkable effort to raise over £370,000 and we are eternally grateful for the generosity of our supporters, individuals, business and the help that we have received through our Charitable grant applications."

We've had cycle rides and charity sales, a player do a fun run with a tuba strapped to his back and even a granny and granddad making a sky dive!Kirkbymoorside Band

Fantastic facility

Emma added: "We've had cycle rides and charity sales, a player do a fun run with a tuba strapped to his back and even a granny and granddad making a sky dive!

You name it we've done it — and it has all enabled us to open a fantastic facility that will benefit our community for decades to come.

The next 200 years starts on the 22nd September and everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating it."