Bolton’s Eagley Band is hosting a special concert for its milestone birthday.
This year, the town’s historic brass band will be celebrating in style with a ‘spectacular’ reunion concert at the Victoria Hall, on October 4.
Eagley Band may be vintage, but they pride themselves on being a ‘modern group’ thanks to their versatile repertoire.
In an interview with the band's musical director Chris Wormald, 64, The Bolton News learned more about their rich history and upcoming concert.
‘Even world wars could not stop Eagley Band from playing’
Historically, brass bands were formed in mills and mines as a way to foster community spirit and improve worker morale.
Formerly known as the ‘Eagley Mills Band’, they were established in 1850 with workers from the textile mills in the north of Bolton.
After years of practice, in 1885 the band took home third prize in their first competition, held at Kearsley Moor, under the conductor Edwin Swift.
In 1914, the dynamic of the all-male band shifted during the First World War, when many of the members were sent to fight on the front lines.
In a time when morale was needed more than ever, the women of the mill ensured the band’s continuation.
A lone member would play The Last Post every evening to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
When war struck again in 1939, a youth band was formed to keep them in full swing.
Conductor Chris said: “Even world wars could not stop Eagley Band from playing.”
When the war ended the band went from strength to strength, with radio broadcasts and even a television appearance in 1956.
However, a sharp decline for British-made textiles resulted in the closure of the Eagley mills in 1971, and the end of a 120-year era for the band.
They had been supported by the mills financially and were left without a rehearsal room or funding.
Chris imagined this must have felt like ‘trying to fly a kite with no wind’ for the band.
But through the support of the Bolton community, they were able to keep playing by becoming a registered charity.
They also opted for a more contemporary name and have since been known as the ‘Eagley Band’.
Former Classic FM Music Teacher of The Year, Chris, began conducting the band between 1989 and 1997, then returned in 2016.
Shortly after his return, he entered the band into the French Open Brass Band Championships in Paris in 2019, which was their first ever contest abroad.
“I was so proud to take Eagley on a plane because they had never flown together before,” said Chris.
In the band’s more recent history, Eagley played live to seven million listeners on BBC Radio 2 for Children in Need, their largest ever audience.
Chris described the occasion as a ‘very special morning’.
Currently, the band has 28 players, with seven different brass instruments and drums.
Many of the members have spent most of their lives playing together, forming lifelong friendships.
Eagley Band chairperson Deb Lyons, 59, has been a member for over 40 years and met her husband Peter in the group.
“There are many members who have been in the band for decades because it becomes a way of life,” said Chris.
Aged 78, Paul Field is the eldest member of the band and has been an integral part of its success.
“There’s a lot of fun in what we do but playing in a brass band also helps to keep your brain very active,” Chris added.
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Celebrating 175 years of Eagley Band
To celebrate their milestone birthday, the band is hosting a concert at Bolton’s Victoria Hall on October 4.
In their own unique style, they will be playing a variety of songs, including music from DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon and a song by rock band Genesis.
“No other band that we know is playing songs like that,” said Chris.
“We’re playing all sorts of songs that we’ve never played before.”
Their birthday celebration will also feature a ‘very special guest’.
Renowned trumpeter Mike Lovatt, who Chris described as a ‘rockstar of the trumpet world’, will be joining the band.
Mike’s impressive recording career can be heard in well-known films such as James Bond, Harry Potter and The Corpse Bride - to name a few.
In preparation for the concert, the band has been rehearsing at every opportunity, with additional Sunday rehearsals on top of their usual two days a week.
They often host fundraising events, and the money raised from their birthday event will be put straight back into the band.
“Concerts are our lifeblood,” said Chris.
“The highlight for me is when we sell out the hall.
“As soon as we walk onto the stage, the atmosphere is fizzing and buzzing.”
The ‘175 Years’ Celebration Reunion Concert’ will be held on October 4 at the Victoria Hall in Bolton. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £7.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased from Booth’s Music in Churchgate or can be ordered via a form on the band’s website.
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