Balderstone Brass Band

Balderstone Brass Band was formed in the 1870's when the vicar of Balderstone got a group of men from the parish together to form a band. This group played until 1914. The band re-formed after the war and continued until the out break of the 2nd World War.

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After the war the men came together and that band has played continuously until the present time where the 'band room' was Mellor Brook school room, and the conductor paid for by the Workers Educational Council, practices being on Mondays. Often two or more people from one family were in the band, several families from the area being involved. When sons or nephews wanted to join, and other lads too, the problem was solved by the 'youngsters' being taught how to play an instrument and to read music on Friday nights in the cafe belonging to the Fieldens Arms Public House. All looked forward to the day when they were promoted to THE band.

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The band used Mellor Brook School for several years until a dispute over rent, meant that the band moved to Mellor Methodist Chapel for practices. When the chapel was demolished, the band moved to Mellor Village Hall where they have been to the present day.

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Two things have been consistently part of Balderstone Brass Band. One is the family feel of caring and supporting each other. The second is the encouragement of young people to join, to be tutored in the art of music making by providing a safe place to be, instruments and uniforms.

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In 1998, the band applied for and was granted money from the lottery fund which enabled it to buy a new set of instruments and enough extras to cover the young people who were being trained at the time.

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The Band have always been used to playing for Church processions and Field Days, and carnival processions in various parts of Lancashire. Now they are to be found giving concerts for charitable organisations in the summer. Once they played Christmas Carols in the villages of Osbaldeston, Balderstone, Mellor, Mellor Brook and Samlesbury. Now in the weeks before Christmas they play in Supermarkets and Churches for carol services.