Aycliffe and Brancepeth Band was formed in 1994 when two bands with very different traditions amalgamated.
Brancepeth Welfare Band was based in Willington and steeped in tradition – founded in 1869 as Willington Temperance Band, it became Willington Silver in 1891, Brancepeth Colliery in 1922 then Brancepeth Welfare in 1976.
Aycliffe Brass was a much younger band based in Newton Aycliffe, formed in 1960 as Newton Aycliffe Town Band then becoming Aycliffe Brass in 1984 – although there is evidence that an Aycliffe Brass Band existed from1834 to 1887.
They are a brass band for players of all ages and abilities who want to play in a friendly atmosphere – very much a community band that enjoys entertaining audiences with a mix of traditional and popular music – and the odd bad joke!
They are very busy throughout the year performing in bandstands at Beamish and Saltburn, village fetes at Byers Green and Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle Meet and Raby Castle to name just a few.
Christmas is particularly busy – e.g. carol service at Emmanuel Church (Durham), combined concert with Ingleby Barwick Community Choir, entertainment concert at Eaglescliffe Golf Club and the legendary New Years Eve party at Number Twenty 2 (Darlington) – plus many more.
Aycliffe and Brancepeth Band are proud participants in commemorative events in both Newton Aycliffe and Willington, especially the morning and afternoon parades on Remembrance Day.
At Durham Miners Gala they march with the UNISON banner and are grateful to Durham Branch UNISON LG for all their support.
Aycliffe and Brancepeth Band will be performing as part of the Sound of Sunday care home programme.