We are a brass band and give concerts locally and regionally and also play for many community groups including local churches and we lead the local carnival procession. We also perform at man civic events including the Mayors charity events and Remembrance Sunday. In April 2013 we started a community band to encourage people to play brass instruments. This has 25 members aged between 6 and 80.
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0Flixton Band maintains a proud tradition of music making, which dates back over 140 years. The Band is currently graded first section by the National Brass Band Association of Great Britain, the highest of any Trafford Band. Flixton Band is currently self-funding and does not benefit from sponsorship.
Originally formed in 1877, the Flixton Volunteer Band was the result of the formation of the Flixton 1st Volunteer Battalion, Manchester Regiment. (This was the Territorial Army of the period.) The services of the band were in much demand and it gradually became known locally as the Flixton Volunteers Band. The band was on duty to play when the Manchester Ship Canal was opened by Queen Victoria in 1894. The band became an important fixture within the local community, performing at church events, cricket matches, garden parties, flower shows, and other local events. In 1908, with the termination of the Volunteers, the band became known as the Flixton Brass Band. The depression of the 1930’s took it’s toll, and in 1933, with many players leaving the area to find work, and people not having enough spare time, the band disbanded. Some of the instruments were held in trust in the hope that the band would be reformed at a future date.
The band re-formed in 1967, when it became known as the Flixton Silver Band, and was granted permission to use the Urmston coat of arms on band uniforms and stationery. Since then, the band has broadcast on radio and television, and taken part in events locally, nationally, and internationally.
In 1981 the band travelled to West Germany (as it was) and gave a number of well received concerts. At the end of 1988 it was decided to remove the word Silver from the band’s name, and to resume contesting.
In June 1993, the band travelled to Denmark for a concert tour, including performance at the Tivoli Gardens. The band was awarded a National Lottery Grant in 1998, that helped to buy new instruments and equipment.
In 2012 the band registered as a charity and the following year a training band was formed with instruments purchased from a generous donation by the Urmston Housing Society. This training band was renamed the Flixton Community Band and has taken public engagements since late 2013.
From late 2001 until Easter of 2013, with the help of Trafford Council, Flixton Band moved into The Old Library, Flixton. Since then, the band have rehearsed in various venues in Flixton, including the Flixton Junior School, John Alker Club and the Cricket Club. The band now resides at the Coach House in Flixton.
The Flixton Band is currently a subscription band, and does not have the luxury of any sponsorship. The band is supported entirely through members’ weekly subscriptions, engagement fees and prize money. Potential sponsors of the band are always welcome!
