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The
Kippax Band History
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The Kippax Band is recognised as
one of the oldest brass bands in the United Kingdom, if not the world. Opposite is a piece
of manuscript held in the band records, with an entry dating to 1858. |
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The Kippax Band has a history in
brass banding dating back to the early 1800's. In fact band records (see opposite) dating
back to 1933 state "Band decided to have tea to commemorate the Band as the oldest
brass band in England on January 13th 1934. This year makes 120 years as a Band and 100
years as an all Brass Band." |
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Closely linked to the mining
industry during this time, the band still maintains these ties via its sponsor UK Coal
under whose banner (and its previous title of RJB) the band has entertained audiences and
competed since 1995. |
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Not only is the band associated
with the local mining industry, it is also closely connected to the local community who
have, over the years, provided many players past and present to the band. The band also
provides its services to the community through parades, Church services and
Council
organised events. |
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After securing National Lottery
funding in 1996 to purchase new instruments, the band has continued to grow in strength
and has helped encourage the continuation of brass playing in the local area by donating
its old instruments to local schools and brass bands. |
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The band is also delighted to own
the fabulous Kippax Band Social Club, which is based on the same site as the bandroom. The
club caters for different social events including line dancing,
and a venue for engagements, weddings, and
christenings. The band also performs in the club, on the second Sunday of each month.
For details on how to book the social club, or for details on when
the band will be performing, please contact:-
0113 2864061
bandclub@kippaxband.co.uk |
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Whilst the band has a busy concert
schedule each year, undertaking numerous concerts within the Yorkshire area, it also
competes in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, Coal Industry Social
Welfare Organisation Contests (CISWO) and Yorkshire and Humberside regional brass band
competitions. |
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In recent years the contesting
arena has proved a happy hunting ground for the band, culminating in second place at the
2002 Yorkshire Area Competition of the National Brass Band Championships, thus securing an
appearance at the finals at Torquay in September of 2002. Its most memorable achievements
in recent years include being crowned first section champions at the CISWO competition in
1994 and qualifying to represent Yorkshire in the National Finals in 1991,1996 as well as
2002. |
Copyright - Marlin Images
Please click on all the photos above to see them in a larger view. Also visit our
gallery to see some of the archived photos from the Kippax Band
history.
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