History

The Leicestershire Co-op Band is based in Coalville, Leicestershire and is currently competing at the top end of the Second Section. The Band is an amalgamation of the Leicestershire Co-op (South Midlands Welfare) Band, originally a colliery based band formed in 1971 and Charnwood Brass, from Loughborough. The two Bands, both with a shortage of members, joined forces in November 1999 to create a full complement and secure our long term future.

The Band performs throughout the year at various local events, including charity, school and church concerts, headlining at North West Leicestershire District Councils ‘Picnic in the Park’ event, as well as organising our own concerts.

MERGER EVENING PRESS RELEASE

Thursday 18th November 1999

On Thursday 18th November 1999 at a presentation evening held at the Snibston Discovery Park, Coalville, the Leicestershire Co-operative (S.M.W.) Band and Charnwood Brass were officially merged as one band. The new name for the band will be the: Leicestershire Co-op Snibston Charnwood Brass. The evening celebrations were opened by the band Chairman, Jim Ball, who has been involved with the running of the band for over 20 years with his wife, Joan, who is the band secretary. Miss Betty Anderson, President of the Leicestershire Brass Band Association unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion. It was only two weeks since the combined band played under it's former name and won first prize in the forth section of the Mineworkers National Brass Band contest at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Following the official unveiling, the band performed a Celebratory Concert conducted by their resident Musical Director, Graham Sutton, featuring a selection of music including the third movement of the winning Blackpool Contest piece, Four Impressions for Brass. The evening was complemented with food, wine and a special celebratory cake, all of which were prepared by the band committee members headed up by the Assistant Secretary, Jane Green. The band has a full calendar of concerts and events for the Christmas period and are looking forward to future contesting successes into the 21st Century.