History

Uppermill Band originate from the village of Uppermill, Saddleworth in the foothills of the Pennines straggling Lancashire and Yorkshire hence the red and white roses on their badge. The Band celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2004 with an excellent performance in the Areas in Blackpool resulting in qualification for the National Finals after a gap of 15 years. The band was formed in March 1979 initially as a Youth Band. Following its registration as a Fourth Section Band it enjoying a very successful period on the Contest arena culminating in two consecutive qualifications to the National Finals in 1988 and 1989 held in London . Promotion to the 3 rd Section followed. At this stage the Band had 6 of its young players in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. The Band was a victim of its own success losing players to higher section bands and several players continuing their studies at University. Uppermill Band found themselves back in the fourth section and a period of rebuilding ensued. Uppermill are a friendly yet competitive Band and with lots of hard work under the baton of Jim Hunter continued to compete with some excellent results at the Pontins Championships and on the Whit Friday circuit and in Local Contests.

Following Jim Hunter’s decision to stand down after over 11 years with the Band, Simon Wood was appointed and within a matter of months moved the Band forward, rapidly culminating in an excellent performance at the 2004 Area Championships at Blackpool This resulted in qualification to the National Finals in Harrogate. Simon reluctantly had to stand down due to his heavy commitment to the Hade Edge Band and the search began for his replacement. Following an unsettled period at a time when preparation for the National Finals was paramount a chance meeting with Alan Widdop resulted in his appointment as MD in July 2004.