Belle Vue Brass Band was formed in 2005 with just a hand full of Musicians. The band had old tired worn out instruments and just ten broken music stands. With the founding members hard work and determination back in those days, Belle Vue Brass Band would not be the band it is today.
In 2005, the band appeared in the Bisto Gravy advert and this was the catalyst for things to come. It all started one Saturday afternoon when the Band was doing a spot of fundraising in Gorton. The Band were sporting new green jackets trying to raise funds for new music and instruments when a Cameraman came over to the band and said “Stop your band.” The Cameraman was attracted to the bands uniform, and this led to the band having a starring role in the Bisto Gravy advert, and a kind donation was made to band funds. The Band has also performed for German TV and Macintosh Erikson.
Interest in the band became more apparent in 2006 when a kind gentleman called Douglas Farwell made a kind donation towards band funds, and new instruments were purchased. Players were recruited, and plans were in place to do the annual Whit Friday Contest in 2007, since then the band have participated in this contest every year.
In 2013 Peter Brannigan previously Musical Director of Hollingworth and Longdendale Brass Band stood down as Musical Director, and Chris Neufeld previously of Reddish Prize Band was appointed as Musical Director, and a new fresh and dynamic concert programme was put together wowing audiences wherever the band played. In 2015 Belle Vue Brass Band played in a joint concert with Audley Brass Band of Staffordshire raising money for an Alzheimer’s Charity. In 2016 the Band also participated at Hardraw Scar & Holme Contest in recent years.
Musical Directors Past & Present
Peter Brannigan 2005 – 2013 Previous Band: Hollingworth & Longdendale Brass Band
Chris Neufeld 2013 – 2015 Previous Band: Reddish Prize Band
Keith Reeves 2015 – 2018 Previous Band: Birchwood Band Warrington
Clive Fox 2018 – 2019 Previous Bands: Denton Brass Band, Audley Brass Band to name but a few
Kenneth Hamnett 2021 Previous Band: Stretford Band working with Peter Brannigan as joint Musical Director
Jacques Segrott 2021 – 2022