One of the UK’s oldest brass bands has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
Bolton’s Eagley Band has achieved royal recognition by being named as a recipient of The King’s Award for 2025.
This is not only a monumental achievement for Eagley, but also for the whole of Bolton.
Equivalent to an MBE, the Voluntary Service Award is the highest honour given to voluntary groups in the UK and is awarded for life.
Bolton-based Eagley Band, formed in 1850, is one of the oldest yet most forward-thinking brass bands in the world, often wowing audiences with its versatile repertoire.
This outstanding achievement comes as the band also celebrates its 175th birthday.
However, the award is not simply a recognition of Eagley's long history or its ability to endure.
Instead, it celebrates 22 years of music-making through Eagley's Community Band and 12 years of the Community Choir.
These projects have struck a chord in Bolton, building connections and enriching lives through music.
Band members have expressed their deep gratitude and pride during what has been an iconic year for Bolton’s much-loved musicians.
Chris Wormald is the Musical Director of Eagley Band, the Community Band and the Community Choir.
Chris said: “When I established the Community Band 22 years ago, in order to provide meaningful, high-quality social interaction (initially for retired local people who had never played an instrument before) nobody could have predicted the extraordinary standard or longevity of the band.
“The same can be said for when I formed the Community Choir 10 years later.”
64-year-old Chris added: “I never expected I would be spending more than a third of my life conducting voluntarily on Saturday mornings, nor that anything we achieved together would be noticed by anyone outside of Bolton.
“For Eagley to be honoured with The King’s Award for 2025 is remarkable.
“Keeping the news a secret has been a challenge for many of our volunteers.
“We all thank The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins, very much indeed for her personal support of what we continue to do for our community.
“As well as Michael Rollinson DL for his initial approach, which was the most unexpected surprise of all, 20 months ago.”
The Voluntary Service Award is announced every year on November 14, which is the King’s birthday.
The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and was previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).
It shines a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from across the country.
Eagley Band’s Chairperson, Deb Lyons, has been a member of the band for over 40 years.
She said: “Eagley Band is more than just music, we are a genuine family and a beacon of community spirit with a long tradition.
“We have achieved so much again this year.
“More sell-out concerts, qualifying for the National Brass Band Finals again, celebrating our 175th anniversary with a wonderful reunion concert in the Victoria Hall.
“And now, royal recognition in receiving The King’s Award, to top everything.”
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The band’s milestone birthday concert took place on October 4, with renowned trumpeter Mike Lovatt joining as a special guest.
Currently, the brass band has a full complement of 28 players, with seven different types of brass instruments, from cornets to trombones and horns to basses, plus a huge percussion section.
Many of the members have spent most of their lives playing together and forming lifelong friendships.
Praise from Eagley’s members highlights how the band’s recent achievements are a testament to the hard work and leadership of its Musical Director, Chris.
Eagley Band’s President, Gerry Russell said: “When Greater Manchester Deputy Lieutenant Michael Rollinson contacted Chris about bestowing this outstanding honour on Eagley back in March 2024, we knew nothing of the award’s existence.
“It was certainly not something we sought or applied for.
“It has been a privilege for many years to witness everything that has developed under Chris’s inspirational leadership.
“We continue to attract packed audiences to our concerts and his constant encouragement of local people to become musicians and singers has proven to be an outstanding positive to Bolton for decades.”
Eagley's Community Music Chairman, David Warburton, also made special thanks to Chris: “This is such a well-deserved recognition for everyone at Eagley but especially for the tireless work of Chris,” he said.
“He conducts four full rehearsals every week, with the energy of someone half his age, and continues to arrange almost everything we play, sing and perform.
“I know I speak for every instrumentalist and choir member in thanking Chris for everything he continues to do for us and has done for the community of Bolton for over 40 years.”
The King’s Award marks a historic milestone for Eagley Band, cementing its place as one of Bolton’s most enduring and influential community groups.
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