On Saturday 30 May, at a concert in the Buccleuch Centre, Councillor Ted Thompson, Civic Head of Dumfries and Galloway Councillor made a presentation to Langholm Town Band to mark their Bicentenary.
Dumfries and Galloway Council appreciates the long history of Langholm Town Band, the contribution it has made to the town and the work it does within Langholm to develop young people’s musicianship skills. This enables many young people to use these skills in their music school examinations and offers a lifelong opportunity to enjoy music by playing locally and at a competitive level.
The band’s first significant recorded appearance was for the return of the Scots Greys from the Battle of Waterloo, when a band of musicians recently formed paraded the returning soldiers through the town. The Officer, Commanding the Royal Scots Greys, was so impressed with the band’s performance that he presented them with part of the brass from his horse’s harness, this is now known as the Band Buckle.
The band will in the next few weeks take to the stage at the Usher Hall to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, where they will join military bands and choirs in the telling of the Waterloo story through the eyes of a Scottish soldier who travels to and returns from Waterloo. The band continues to support many local events which include the annual Common Riding, held on the last Friday in July every year, where the band lead the Cornet and his followers through the streets on the big day.
The band have played for royalty in the past, playing for HRH Queen Elizabeth II and her sister Princess Margaret and other Royal visitors to the area. The band also had the unique opportunity to play for the First Man on the Moon, Commander Neil Armstrong, when he visited Langholm to be given the Freedom of the Burgh in 1972.
Twenty six years ago the band was fortunate enough to be asked to play at The Lord Mayor of London’s Show when they were invited by Sir Christopher Collett to represent Langholm along with the Pipe Band. In 2014 the band led the procession on Langholm High Street when the Commonwealth Baton passed through the region en-route to Glasgow.
The band travels across the country to support many local and high profile events. In recent years the band has played at the Durham Miner’s Gala and has been privileged to play twice in Durham Cathedral for the re-dedication of the Burnhope and Lanchester banners. In March this year the Band was awarded 3rd place in the Scottish Championships and now sits at the top of the 3rd section grading table.
Langholm Junior Band came together in 2004 under the leadership of David Calvert. The band was set up to provide an opportunity for youngsters to get into banding and more importantly to ensure the Town Band had a future. The Junior Band first played on the 25th of April 2004 in the Buccleuch Park when 17 youngsters took part.
Over the years the band has played at many local events entertaining both young and old. They have tasted success in competitions at both Brass in the Park and at the Scottish Borders Brass Band Contest, 13 players became Scottish Champions in their section in the Scottish Borders Youth Band in 2010 and 2011. Seven former, or current Junior band members, played in the Town Bands recent success at the Scottish Championships in March this year.
Civic Head for Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Ted Thompson said;
“It really is a remarkable achievement that Langholm Town Band have been in existence for this length of time making them probably the oldest band in Scotland. They have contributed to the vibrancy of the town and through the hard work of volunteers developed many musicians, including young people’s musical skills, over the years. I hope they continue for many years to come and, on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway Council wish the Band all the best for the future.”
