Skelmanthorpe Bands | brassbanddraft2

About the Band

Formed in 1843, the Skelmanthorpe Band is one of the oldest brass bands in the country. In 1993, the band
celebrated its 150th Anniversary in style by becoming the Third Section National Champions under the

direction of Stuart Fawcett. Further success followed, resulting in the achievement of Championship Section
status in January 2000.

Kevin Wadsworth then led the band for the next 4 years, achieving success on both the contest and concert
stage, culminating in the title of Pontins Brass Band Champions in 2003. During this period the band's
reputation grew and highlights included a concert with Aled Jones, a performance at the Shroeders London

International Boat Show and a recording for the BBC's "Songs of Praise". John Hinckley conducted the band in 2005, the highlight of which was a sell out concert with Katherine Jenkins.

John Roberts was appointed as MD in 2006, leading the band to immediate success becoming the 2006

Wilkinsons Northern Open Champions , the 2007 Butlins 1st Section Champions, the 2007 Silkstone March

Champions and the 2007 Pontins 1st Section Champions.
In 2008 the band retained the Butlins first section title and went on to win the Yorkshire Area first section, with a 2nd place in the National Finals. Promotion back to the Championship Section followed in 2009, and further success followed on the contest stage, with the band establishing itself amongst the top 40 bands in the world.

In 2010 the band were proud to compete in the English Nationals Championships and became Brighouse March Contest Champions.

The Skelmanthorpe Band organisation includes a thriving "B" Band (formed in 1994) who are a full 3rd Section Standard contesting
band in their own right (MD Phil Garlick) and a "Nippers" training band (MD Alan Coe).