The National Coal Mining Museum for England has linked up with Brass Bands England to enable visitors to enjoy a collection of artefacts and memorabilia that celebrates the long and proud association between the industry and its most famous form of musical expression.
The museum in Wakefield is situated on a former colliery and currently houses a permanent collection which delves into generations of coal-mining stories through objects, images and art.
Display
As part of a 2025 refresh, items from the Brass Bands Archive will join the existing collection showcasing people, places and events from mining's history. The new display builds on previous work between the Museum and BBE to promote the heritage of brass banding.
BBE's Archivist Danielle Spargo told 4BR: "The new archive exhibition case is small but mighty, housing roughly 14 of our favourite items related to mining. We have some really fascinating treasures on display and it's great to see them show in their context at the Museum.
I'm excited that visitors will have the chance to discover more about banding's links to mining."
St Hilda
The material on display will include items from St Hilda Colliery Band's tour to Canada in 1931, music dedicated to British miners, Mineworkers Contest programmes, and an armband which commemorates Wingates Band and the Pretoria Pit Disaster.
There is a wealth of information on all items featured — QR codes will direct visitors to The Brass Bands Archive blog where the stories are explored in more detail by the Brass Bands Archivist and Archive Project Coordinator.
https://www.bbe.org.uk/brass-bands-archive-blog
The material on display will include items from St Hilda Colliery Band's tour to Canada in 1931, music dedicated to British miners, Mineworkers Contest programmes, and an armband which commemorates Wingates Band and the Pretoria Pit Disaster4BR
Items
A selection of items can also be viewed digitally via the Brass Bands Archive Instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/brassbandsarchive/
The collection will be housed at the museum until the end of 2025. Entry to the museum and exhibition is free. To plan your visit please check opening times on the National Coal Mining Museum's website.
https://www.ncm.org.uk/your-visit/
To find out more about the Brass Bands Archive please visit brassbandsarchive.com.
