Blog

Wingates Band: Whit Friday March Contests 2026

  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 Westhoughton, running through our march and contest piece in the evening sunshine. Then on Thursday, we held a more focused outdoor rehearsal at Dickinsons & Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago

Meet the Newest Members of The Band!

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 Horn of the Besses Boys Band. Additionally, Harry is an alumni of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain where he received coaching from Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago

Happy New Year

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 and improve our band over the years. Captain Andrew Porter, MD of the Grenadier Guards joined our Music team this year, and we were successful Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago

Meet the Newest Members of the band!

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 recently with Blackburn and Darwen. Martin previously played with Wingates from 2009 to 2012, and we are delighted that he has chosen to rejoin the Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago

Meet the newest members of the band!

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 and conducted Goodshaw, Walkden, Vernon Building Society, Eccles and Silk Band. John also conducted Sale band for 14 months and took them to two National Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago

Wingates Band at the World Music Contest 2026

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 our best performances forward for this exciting contest! Watch out for information on our socials and website throughout the year to the lead up to Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago

Meet the newest members of the band!

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 Community bands.Welcome Carol!

By Emily Harrison, ago

Meet the newest members of the band!

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 us for Whit Friday in Saddleworth back in June, so we were delighted when he chose to join us full-time and complete our bass line-up!

By Emily Harrison, ago

Meet the newest members of the band!

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 the Greater Manchester area as she played with Besses o’ th’ Barn while studying here. We are delighted Lotte has joined us and are sure Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago
Captain Andrew Porter

Wingates partner with Andrew Porter

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 and events. Captain Porter is currently Director of Music of the world-famous Band of the Grenadier Guards and is at the spear end of Army Read more

By Emily Harrison, ago