History

Driffield Town Band is an amateur brass band based in Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Historical records indicate the band’s involvement in notable national celebrations during the 19th century, as well as its continuous evolution through military connections, contest participations, and periods of decline and renewal.

19th century

The band is recorded as having performed at the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1837 and again on 10 May 1863 for the wedding of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). A separate record notes that “Sir Tatton’s lot” from Malton and Driffield participated in the first-ever brass band contest, held on the grounds of Burton Constable House in July 1845. Although it is not confirmed whether this entry was the Driffield Town Band, it is likely that some of its members were present.

An instrument belonging to the band during this early period was the ophicleide, a brass horn resembling a bassoon in shape, equipped with a mouthpiece similar to that of a trombone. Although a member of the cornet family, it differed substantially from the modern cornet. The ophicleide is now obsolete; only two known examples survive, one formerly displayed on a pillar in Tavistock Parish Church, Devon, and the other in a museum in York.

According to Ross’s history of Driffield, a transition from military to brass band occurred circa 1857, when an amateur brass band was formally established.

Volunteer Corps and Territorial era

In 1860, a Volunteer Rifle Corps was formed in Driffield, and its parades were led by the Town Band. The Volunteers maintained their own band, which shared a practice room with the Town Band. In 1908, the Volunteers were reorganized as the Territorial Force. Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, members of the Town Band, together with members of the Territorials, were mobilized and formed part of the 2nd/5th Battalion of the Prince of Wales’s Regiment. After the cessation of hostilities in 1918, the Driffield Town Band re-emerged from this military band.

Competitions in the 20th century

In 1928, the band travelled to London to compete in the National Brass Band Contest. The test piece was “Accrington,” consisting of a hymn and variations. The band did not win a trophy. During the 1930s, the band organized its own contest on the Recreation Ground in Driffield, with participating bands playing in different parts of the town before marching to the competition venue.

On a separate occasion, the band entered a contest elsewhere in the East Riding and returned with three trophies: first place in the march section, second in the selection, and third in the hymn category, with only three bands competing. In the 1970s, the band won first prize for its performance of “Rural Suite” in York, conducted by Henry Crouch.

Band Masters

The following individuals have served as Band Master:

• Mr George Potts
• Mr Charles Wagstaffe
• Gerald Ellison (formerly of St Hilda’s Band)
• Mr Victor Yeadon
• Mr Alf Stevenson
• Mr Henry Crouch
• Mr Stephen Searby
• Mr Bob Dales
• Mr Andrew Grace
• Mr David Nichols
• Mr Andrew Grace (return)

Rehearsal locations

The band has rehearsed at various locations, including Westgate, the Black Swan public house, a garage, a car park at the Royal Oak on Victoria Road, a Temperance Hall, a room in Falcon Yard, and subsequently the Bell Hotel.

Uniforms

During the early 20th century, the band possessed a smart uniform. Following the Second World War (1939–1945), the uniform was found to be worn and was not immediately replaced; for several years, the band performed without uniforms. In 1958, following the appointment of a new Secretary, the committee decided to procure a new uniform. The Secretary was given authority to secure paid engagements at the best available rate to fund the purchase. The band acquired the uniform, and the outstanding account of £200 was settled within two years. One engagement during this period involved leading a parade from Westwood, near Valley Bridge, to the Corner Café on the North Promenade in Scarborough, for a fee of £12.

Short-notice engagement

On one occasion, while the band was rehearsing on a Sunday morning, Captain Robert Campbell requested that the band lead a parade in Kilham that afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Despite not having a full attendance at practice, the Secretary cycled to notify the other members and arranged a coach. The band arrived and led the parade on time.

Decline and revival

In subsequent years, membership declined due to ageing members and younger players leaving for further education. The band continued to accept engagements with the assistance of borrowed players; the Secretary maintained a list of auxiliary players willing to help. Despite suggestions that the band should disband, a small group continued to operate.

Mr Ronald Mustoe, Principal of the Evening Institute, supported the band by providing a course for learners. This initiative attracted new participants; some returned after initial difficulty and were issued alternative instruments. Gradually, the band’s membership increased.

Performance range

The Driffield Town Band is reported to have performed in every town and in many villages of the East Riding of Yorkshire.