Easington Colliery Band has been at the heart of its community since its founding in 1915. Originally established with the support of the colliery, experienced brass players were encouraged to move from the west of Durham to work at the mine and join the band. Financially backed and managed by a joint board of unions, the band played a vital role in local life, performing at dances, concerts, and competitions.
During World War II, the Easington Colliery Youth Band was repurposed as the National Fire Service Band, before being ‘demobbed’ in 1945 and reformed as the Easington Public Band. In 1956, it merged with the Colliery Band, creating the Easington Colliery Band as it is known today.
The closure of Easington Colliery in April 1993 marked the end of an era, leaving the band to become entirely self-funded. Today, it continues to thrive through the dedication of its members who perform throughout the year to sustain its legacy. The band remains based in Easington Colliery, rehearsing in the old colliery pay office – now the last remaining structure of the once-bustling pit – located opposite the Memorial Gardens on the site of the former colliery.
The band recently collaborated with Sam Fender on the track Remember My Name, featured on his latest number-one album, People Watching. Fender has described the song as a deeply personal love letter to his late grandparents, capturing their enduring influence on his life. The collaboration showcases the band’s rich, expressive sound, seamlessly complementing Fender’s raw, emotive storytelling.