THANK YOU FOR SHOWING INTEREST IN OUR PROJECT.

The purpose of this Fundraising is to establish and develop a new project, namely the Stalybridge Brass and Percussion Academy for Senior, Youth and Training Bands.

We actively raise funds through various fund raising events, however, as a non-profit making organisation, we also value the help and support of our supporters and occasionally with donations from local companies. We are also a Registered Charity with the National Charities Commission, Registration Number 515910.

As a non-profit making, self-financing organization, we have several objectives. The main ones include the education of all people, irrespective of age, disability, financial hardship and/or other disadvantage, to become engaged in the advancement of learning about music and playing musical instruments. To advance the communities interest in the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Tradition and to provide an organized environment for all the community to share and enjoy.

The Stalybridge Old Band was founded in 1809 and is listed as the oldest Civilian Brass Band in existence.

On the 16th August 1819, the Stalybridge Old Band played at the gathering in Manchester which became known as the 'Peterloo Massacre'. A gathering which had been organized by the Manchester Patriotic Union Society, a political group that stood for parliamentary reform and the repeal of the corn laws.

The band took part in the Crystal Palace - Great National Brass Band Contest which was held on the 10th and 11th July 1860. Over 100 bands took part with the best 12 chosen to compete for the prizes one of which was the Stalybridge Old Band.

And now, over 200 years later and the Band are still as competitive and enter several National Contests on an annual basis. However, the continuation of the band is uppermost and as a result of this Academy, new players will be taught and given instruction on playing Brass and Percussion Instruments.