A Day of Sunshine, Music, Marching… and Major Success The week leading up to Whit Friday had a real sense of anticipation about it. With the weather finally turning in our favour, Wingates Band took full advantage by rehearsing outdoors. On Tuesday, we gathered near the band room in Read more
Introducing our new Solo Horn, Harry Bennett!Harry is in his final year at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he pursues his studies in performance and conducting. Alongside his studies, he is also the Musical Director of the Manchester Universities Brass Band.Harry joins us from his position as Principal Read more
Happy New Year’s Eve! 2025 has been whirlwind for Wingates Band Highlights include some amazing new sell-out concerts for our local community, taking away some silverware at contests, and a successful Whit Friday March contest in Saddleworth! Those who follow us know that we have been working hard to build Read more
Our final ‘Welcome’ of 2025 is to Martin! Martin has joined us on the Euph and Bari line! Martin earnt to play in Salvation Army in Blackpool and played with The Household Troops Band. He’s no stranger to North-West Banding, having also held seats at Pemberton, Longridge, Leyland and most Read more
Next on our welcome list is John! John joined us ahead of Rochdale Contest this year. His extensive experience in banding started by playing in Buckhaven Band and then Bedworth, before joining the Fusiliers Band to spend 24 years as a Military Musician. Upon moving to Bolton, John has played Read more
We are delighted to share that Wingates will be going to the World Music Contest in 2026! The contest is held in Kerkrade, Netherlands and we will be participating with bands from all over the world. Fundraising to support our efforts will begin in 2026 as we hope to put Read more
Our next introduction is our Flugel player, Carol!Carol joined us for the Spring Festival Grand Shield contest this year. In September, Carol moved from cornet into the flugel seat. Previously, Carol has played for Morecambe, Longridge and Sandhurst. She also teaches at Morecambe Band’s Academy and conducts their Academy and Read more
Introducing our Principal Eb Bass!We welcomed Thomas in the summer as he moved to Manchester to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. Thomas is a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and formerly played with Ripon City Brass Band and Leyburn Brass Band.Thomas joined Read more
Over the next few weeks we will be introducing some of our players! First up… Meet Lotte! Lotte joined us on Solo Cornet after returning from London where she played Solo Cornet with Regent Brass. Originally from County Durham (where she played with Teesdale Silver) Lotte is no stranger to Read more
Wingates Brass Band are delighted to welcome Captain Andrew Porter in the new position of Musical Consultant within the Wingates Organisation. In this new role, Andrew will be working with MD Matt Ryan to work towards the band’s long-term goals and take a few rehearsals and workshops ahead of contests Read more