A CONCERT BAND in the area is celebrating its 165th anniversary.

Malmesbury Concert Band was founded in 1859.

It continued more or less unchanged as a mainly-brass band until the 1990s, when under the leadership of the late Ian Mills, it was reformed as a concert band featuring brass, woodwind, oboe, flute and percussion.

The group currently has around 25 playing members, with ages ranging from 15 to 81.

It plays at various events during the year, including local fetes, summer bandstand events in Cirencester, Swindon and Chippenham and the annual Remembrance service in Malmesbury Abbey.

Under the leadership of musical director Art Robb, the band’s repertoire has been diversified to include more popular numbers, from film and musical themes to classics like Sweet Caroline.

Membership comprises a range of occupations, including lawyer, civil servant, retired army officer, teacher and luthier.

“Each year brings its own challenges and surprises,” a spokesperson for the band noted.

“Years ago, on a twinning visit to Niebüll in Germany, the band was booked to play on a riverboat, only to discover halfway through the concert that they were on the wrong boat.

“There were no complaints from the audience, however.

“A few years ago, on a hot Sunday in Keynsham, the band was also subjected to a heckler, who was knowledgeable enough to join in many of the numbers!

“It was no surprise the programme overran by 30 minutes as a result.

“However, with an enthusiastic committee and membership, band morale has never been better and augurs extremely well for the future.”

“In all the years I’ve been a member, I cannot recall when the band was in better shape,” chairman Ben Randall-Sly said.

“We are really looking forward to 2025 and continuing to play our music in Malmesbury and the surrounding area.”

The highlight of the group’s year is its annual concert in Malmesbury Town Hall in the autumn.

The theme for 2024’s concert on November 16 is Film Night Cabaret, with the event anticipated to be hugely popular.

For more information and to book tickets, visit malmesburyconcertband.org.uk