Public Bands

Many Bands Make Light Music.

Brass Bands were first formed in the early years of the 19th century, when most of the musicians worked in the mills, mines and factories. Concertina bands and Fife and Drum bands were also popular.

Town bands, pub bands, church bands, police bands, military bands and factory bands all began to flourish in the 1850's, especially with the start of the Brass Band competitions at Belle Vue in Manchester in 1853. Concertina Bands had their own competitions there too. Millowners and even the temperance movement sponsored many of these bands.

Rochdale Old Band, also known as the 'Ale & Bacca Band', won 1st prize at Belle Vue in 1899.

In 1905 the 1st prize was taken by Rochdale Public Band. Local bands accompanied the Rushbearing Festivals, Whit Walks and local celebrations for Royal Jubilees and Coronations.

They provided entertainment in parks and played at dances. In 1910, the Heywood English Concertina Band, who won 2nd prize at Belle Vue in 1909, played at Broadfield Park in Rochdale.

Many bands were temporarily depleted in World War 1, but some some 'Professional Military Bands' were formed, and in the 1920's Falinge Military Band took advantage of new technologies, broadcasting its music by radio from the old ZY Wireless Station in Manchester.

Carnival Jazz Bands also became popular. Noitavlas Jazz Band met at the back of the Salvation Army Citadel on Lord St. - hence the name (Noitavlas � Salvation backwards!). In September 1933 over 20 carnival Jazz Bands played in Rochdale's Trades Procession.

In August 1930 there was open air dancing at the Hollingworth Lake Pavilion, with music provided by Rochdale Old Prize Band. The following night, at St John's Hall on Ann St., Bob Scholes' Paramount Syncopators provided the music for the dancers.

They were the inheritors of groups like Albert Porter's Quadrille Band of the 1880's who played the rather daring waltz at dances. The Manhattan Accordion Dance Band also played at Hollingworth Lake but only for one season, the second world war bringing their residency to an abrupt end.

Bands have continued to flourish in Rochdale. Although some old names have disappeared to be replaced by new, others, like Milnrow Brass Band have remained. Kingsway Youth Band and Wardle School Band were formed to continue the traditions. Rochdale Band won a competition at the Edinburgh festival in 1977, and went on to compete in the BBC's TV series 'Champion Brass.'

Band music still entertains us today, with concerts in parks once again becoming a popular feature. Modern programmes might also include jazz and steel bands, alongside Samba bands, Irish ceilidh bands and Asian bands like the Punjabi band 'Shola.'

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