Wigston Brass Band Christmas

The Wigston Band is spreading Christmas cheer
This year has been a tough one for everyone and for The Wigston Band Organisation. Normally at this time of year, we would be out entertaining the crowds with Christmas carolling sessions across Leicestershire, but unfortunately that is not possible this year.

We would like to spread a little Christmas cheer this year through our special video performances of Christmas carols and if you enjoy them then please donate anything that you can. Every little bit will help us to survive and continue our community work into 2021, teaching people how to play brass instruments and performing concerts within Leicestershire and beyond.

Find our Christmassy videos via these links:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4rmywPXlhSJJ3pXA7u8Gdg

https://www.facebook.com/wigstonbrassband

https://www.wigstonbrassband.com/

Find out a little bit more about The Wigston Band Organisation
The history of The Wigston Band can be traced back to the nineteenth century, when it was originally founded as 'The Wesleyan Mission Band'. In 1902, the band changed its name to 'The Wigston Temperance Band' and under the baton of local musical shop owner, Charlie Moore, who took the band to the country's most prestigious venues including 'The Crystal Palace' and the 'Belle Vue Halls' in Manchester. Charlie’s son Ted continued to conduct the band to many contest honours including the National Finals on several occasions. The band changed its name again in the 1980s, dropping the word ‘Temperance’, many believe due to the drinking habits of its members! In 2010 the band was pleased to be given charity status, ensuring it can continue to make music and strengthen its community ties further.

Since then The Wigston Band Organisation has gone from strength to strength, now including three bands. The Horizon Band is for our very beginners where we provide instruments, quality teaching and encouragement to our younger players who are just starting out. The intermediate band within the organisation is called The Enterprise Band which is for members who have been playing a little longer and for those who enjoy a little more challenge. Both of these bands enjoy performing in the community, especially showing off the progress they have made at charity fundraising events.

Finally, The Wigston Band itself is the senior group within the organisation. Today, the band works hard within the community, performing many concerts and raising money for good causes, as well as teaching youngsters basic musical skills. The senior band enjoys performing and contesting to a high level, especially enjoying a trip to The National Brass Band Championships in 2013. As of 2018 The Wigston Band were proud to announce a new partnership with funeral directors G.Seller. This partnership ensures better opportunities for all members of the organisation and to the band’s ability to coach youngsters.

Currently having a playing strength of around 30 players with ages ranging from thirteen to ‘seventy something’, the senior band enjoys a mixture of fun, hard work and friendship whilst making wonderful music. All members really enjoy playing within such a family orientated environment as well as going out in public to play a wide range of musical genres, anything from jazz to classical, pop to Christmas carols!