ABOUT
MAKING MUSIC SINCE 1815
Langholm Town Band has been a continuous servant of the local area for over 200 years. As the band celebrated its bicentenary in 2015.
The band's first significant recorded appearance was for the return of the Scots Greys from the Battle of Waterloo when a band of musicians recently formed paraded the returning soldiers through the town in 1815. The officer commanding the Royal Scots Greys was so impressed with the band's performance he presented them part of the brass from his horse's harness, and this is now known as the 'Band Buckle'. The buckle occupies pride of place among other relics in Langholm Town Hall.
Over the years the band has played a significant part in local events and continues to support the annual Common Riding, held on the last Friday in July every year, leading the `Cornet and his followers through the streets on the big day.
The band has played for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and the first man on the moon, Commander Neil Armstrong, when he visited the town to be given the freedom of the burgh. Twenty Six years ago the band was fortunate enough to be asked to play at The Lord Mayor's Show when they were invited by Sir Christopher Collett to represent Langholm along with the Pipe Band. In 2014 the band led a procession when the Commonwealth Baton passed through the region en-route to Glasgow. The band travels across the country to support many local events and high profile events such as the Durham Miners Gala.
The Band has contested intermittently over the years and is currently enjoying high success in the third section of the Scottish Brass Band Association gradings. The band has been runners up in the Scottish Championships twice in the fourth section in 1964 and 2010. However in March 2020, Langholm Town Band came Second in the Third Section and will represent Scotland in The National Finals of Great Britain 2020.
The band has now reached the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain three times, firstly in October 1964 under Alfred Chapman, when they played at Hammersmith Town Hall. In September 2010 under Alan Fernie when the contest was held in Harrogate International Centre. In September 2020 Langholm were meant to once again return to the National Brass Band Championships however, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the Championship was rescheduled for 2021.
Where the band will play at Cheltenham Racecourse under MD. Chris Shanks.