Blackpool is an iconic English seaside resort, famed for its spectacular gaudy Victorian architecture, nightlife and crazy summer attractions such as the world-famous Illuminations. Few visitors know that Blackpool is also home to another fantastic quirk: the brass band. The town has produced some of the most famous names in the history of brass band music. So take a tour around the town with us and find out why these amazing bands call Blackpool their home!
Bands in Blackpool
If you are looking to attend a concert, then it may be worth checking the performances of the local bands in Blackpool. These little-known brass bands may not be household names, but they have a long and proud history in the world of music. The majority of these bands perform in the traditional style of British brass, with a few notable exceptions.
There's plenty to explore in Blackpool's brass band scene! a firm favourite is Blackpool Brass Band - this band actually isn't from Blackpool at all, but from the seaside village of Cleveleys, just a few miles away. However, it's performed at the annual Blackpool International Brass Band Festival for over 30 years, so it's definitely part of the Blackpool scene!
The bands put on concerts all year round, in venues across the town. Many also have free concerts, particularly during the summer months.
The history of Blackpool bands
The first brass band in Blackpool was formed in 1879, just 3 years after the town became a holiday destination. Since then, the town has grown to become famous for having the highest number of brass bands per capita anywhere in the world! It is a tradition that is still going strong today, with hundreds of people of all ages participating in Blackpool's brass band scene. And the town's bands have produced some great names. Famous musicians who started their careers playing in Blackpool bands include the great Ron Carter and trombonist Neil Morley.
The huge number of bands in the town reflects the fact that Blackpool is a very musical place. Unlike most other seaside towns, it has very few orchestras. So brass bands are a great way for musicians in the town to express themselves and create music.
Where to find Blackpool bands today?
Blackpool's brass bands are famously scattered around the town's many different neighborhoods. This gives the bands a real local identity and helps to keep them intact. The majority of these bands rehearse in church halls, community centers and village halls across the seaside town. So if you are lucky enough to be in Blackpool during the summer, keep an eye out for these local bands performing in the neighborhood.
The best way to find out about local bands and concerts is to join the mailing list of the Blackpool Brass Band Society. This is an organization that acts as a network for local bands and their fans. They organize events, publish a monthly newsletter and list all concerts taking place in the town. You will also find a list of Blackpool's brass bands on the website of Visit Blackpool, the town council's tourism department.
Why is Blackpool so special for brass band music?
There are a few reasons why Blackpool is so special for brass band music. First is the geography of the town. Blackpool's reputation as a holiday destination dates back to the late 19th century, when health tourism and seaside resorts were becoming popular. The town's location in the northwest, near the Irish Sea and the Lake District, made it an attractive option for visitors. However, Blackpool is located close to Manchester and Liverpool, the two biggest industrial cities of the northwest at the time. This made it accessible to both workers and their families.
So when the industrial revolution caused a massive increase of workers' salaries, many could afford to go on holiday for the first time. They often chose Blackpool, which offered all the excitement of a big city with the added bonus of sea air and sand.
Famous bands from Blackpool
Among the most famous Blackpool bands are Blackpool Brass, Squire and the Blackpool Tower Concert Band. Blackpool Brass is the town's most famous band, and has a long history dating back to 1919. Squire began as a church-related brass band in the 1930s. It was founded as an independent band in 1952 and has been going strong ever since, playing at many venues all over the world. The Blackpool Tower Concert Band was founded in 1963 and is known for its excellent youth brass band.
Final words
Visiting Blackpool in summer is a unique experience, so make sure you check out the town's brass bands as well! The music of the brass bands will echo through the streets as visitors and locals stroll by, making the experience even more special. If you want to learn even more about the brass band culture of Blackpool, make sure to check out the Blackpool International Brass Festival, an annual event held in the second week of September. This is a fantastic festival, with concerts, workshops and exhibitions held in venues across the town.
So whatever the weather, make sure to experience the unique sound of the Blackpool brass bands for yourself!