Fishburn Band

Brass Band based in North East of UK. in Championship Section & moving up the rankings. Current Wychavon Entertainment Contest winners 2019; represented our Region at Brass Band Championships of Great Britain held in Royal Albert Hall in 2018.

The origin of FISHBURN BAND stems from the mining community of the small village of Fishburn near Sedgefield in the North East. In the early 1950's two men emerge as those who gave the impetus to set up a Brass Band in Fishburn - Mick Terrans and George Elliott.

At the outset, miners of the local colliery contributed each week to help the provision and maintenance of instruments and when first formed the band was called the Fishburn Colliery Welfare Band. Everyone worked extremely hard and Fishburn Band soon rose from an 'also ran' in the lower sections to become a contender in the Championship Section. Over the years the band formed links, via sponsorship, with various firms associated with the mining industry, such as 'National Smokeless Fuels' and 'Coal Products Limited' whilst remaining loyal to the village of Fishburn. However, following loss of sponsorship the band fought back from financial collapse on three separate occasions.

Fishburn Band enjoy great support from the local community and Workingmen's Club, with a unique support group having been formed to help the band. The Support Group Secretary is Billy Elliott (whose father, George, first thought of starting a band in the village). He was determined to keep the 'colliery pride' and wouldn't let the band fold.

The band is very much aware of its responsibilities as one of the North's premier bands and continually strives to maintain its high profile both on and off stage. Fishburn Band is registered as a charity but members still find the time to become involved in numerous local charity events in the village and surrounding areas.

Having previously made 2 LP recordings, one of which was as the supporting Band for Alan Morrisons Solo album, the Band recorded their first CD in April 2000 entitled 'Durham's Pride.

The Band recorded their 2nd CD entitled 'Aurora' in June 2003, in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the Band in 2004.