SILSDEN Town Band have launched an urgent appeal for help as they face potentially their last-ever concert.

Officials warn that the long-established band’s next concert on December 18 will be the last unless a new leader can be found.

The band also desperately needs new players.

The band’s origins date back to the 1840s, and following its disbandment during the Second World War it was revived with great success in the 1990s.

Band spokesman Claire Corp said: “Since then it has gradually grown in strength. It is a friendly band, whose members aim to enjoy and entertain with their music.

“The band has played at Bradford Cathedral, in the 2012 Festival at Hardraw Scar, and for charity events, galas and weddings."

Claire said the band's fortunes had again turned, with a desperate need for both players and more importantly a conductor or musical director.

She said: “As it stands at the moment, there is a high chance that the band will perform for the last time on December 18. It would be a great shame if the band was no more."

Claire said the origins of Silsden Brass Band went back to the 1840s when it is thought the group changed from a Pipe and Reed Band into a Brass Band.

She added: “At the outbreak of the Crimean War with Russia in 1854 nine members of the band joined the Royal Lancashire Militia and were sent to the Crimea.

“On their return home from the war to civilian life the Silsden Brass Bandsmen were allowed to wear the distinctive white military uniforms of the Royal Lancashire Militia, a privilege awarded to them for their services in the Militia Band.

Claire said the band’s early years were probably one of its most successful periods.

She said: “The band entered the British Brass Band Open Championships at Belle Vue in Manchester in 1863, where Silsden came third after Black Dyke Band and Bacup Band.

“One of the most notable Silsden bandsmen at that time was Edward Newton who became very well known in the brass band world as a prolific composer and arranger of brass band music.

“During his life time he composed or arranged 400 pieces including 137 quick marches, many hymns and anthems."

Silsden Town Band practices on Tuesday evenings in the Community Centre on Gloucester Avenue, Silsden. Anyone interested should contact Claire on 07884 363148.

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