Haydock: Valley Brass Band overjoyed with King's Award

With a lack of affordable music provision in the borough, Valley Brass Band was launched back in 1992 as a way to bring the community together through music.

Giving children and adults the opportunity to play a range of brass instruments, the band has developed into a real community that provides three separate bands, community space for local organisations, as well as concerts, competitions, trips, and days out.

In recognition of their 30 years of service to the community in Haydock, the Valley Brass Band was awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service earlier this month, which is equivalent to an MBE and highest award that a voluntary group can receive.

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The main band performing at the Remembrance Sunday event outside St Helens Town Hall (Image: Valley Brass Band) After moving from St James' Church to Grange Valley Community Centre - where the band took its name - to the former Richard Evans school where it is now based, Valley Brass Band has offered a welcoming space for budding musicians and the wider community over three decades.

Giving people of all abilities the chance to play an instrument, the band has a Learners Group which teaches children and novices with the basics of playing, and a Training Band which offers more advanced training to help players progress in practice and rehearsals.

Featuring in concerts and competitions throughout the year, the Main Band is a 25-strong group that showcases its musical talents in Haydock, St Helens, and across the country.

The main band participates in concerts, competitions, and events across the country (Image: Valley Brass Band) With around 60 players across the three bands, the players pride themselves on their talent, togetherness and camaraderie, and their ability to play a variety of eclectic tunes, from pop and rock to classical tracks.

In addition to the band's rehearsals and competitions, it also offers space to various community groups at the Richard Evans hub, presents workshops in local schools, and takes players out on day trips and European shows.

The band at a show at St Helens Town Hall (Image: Valley Brass Band) Musical Director and founder of Valley Brass Band, David Chadwick, said: "When we started out, there wasn't any affordable music services in St Helens so we just wanted to give people the opportunity to play musical instruments together.

"As we have developed, we have outgrown our previous places and it's great to see so many players across the three bands, especially after the drop offs that we had after covid.

"We're not just a brass band, we're more than that. We want to give back to the local community which is why we offer the space to local groups and give people the opportunity to come together.

"It's a very wide ranging hobby and we all love the togetherness and camaraderie. It's really great for everyone involved with the band to be recognised with the King's Award, and we will certainly celebrate this with an official event next year."

Located at the Richard Evans Building on West End Road in Haydock, more information about Valley Brass Band can be found here.