This is the earliest picture of the Band when it was the origional Stanton Ironworks Band we have come across so far.It was taken in the 1920,s.If anybody has any information about the photograph it would be good to share it on our site.

Ilkeston Brass was formed over 80 years ago as The Stanton Ironworks Band,representing the Ironworks and their interests at many prestigeous events throughout the country including London appearances at Regents Park,The Guildhall and high-profile locations.With the demise of the British Iron and steel industries in the 60,s and 70,s,Stanton Ironworks was greatly affected,and felt that it could no longer continue to support the band financially. With their help,the band found  rehearsal facilities within Ilkeston,changed its name to Ilkeston Brass,and continued to make music. In the mid 70,s a television serial called "sounding Brass"starring Brian Glover was produced by Granada television.Based around the workings,romances and personalities of a local brass band ( much as the 1986 film "Brassed off") portrayed.The writer "Shaw" followed ilkeston Brass to concerts,contests,marches,and pubs for nearly 6months before he wrote and produced the series.Ilkeston Brass were chosen as the band for the series.A great honour.

Tv,s origional Sounding Brass,early 1980,s

We are at present trying to find out more about Ilkeston Brass,s roll in the making of Sounding Brass.It would be good  if we could track down any old film clips or sound tracks from the origional tv series,and hopefully put it on the website.If anybody has any information or even an old video of the making of the programme,we would love to hear from you .A lot of the filming was done in the local area,who knows,somebody might have an old clip somewhere?