Blackburn & Darwen Band

Blackburn & Darwen Band was formed in 1840 as Darwen Temperance Band and has had a chequered history over the last 183 years. They have regularly performed for the local community during these years but it wasn't until the last 50 years that they started to have some success in the contest field. The former Grand Shield winners (1988) have performed at the Royal Albert Hall and played in the British Open. The band is once again in the Championship section having achieved promotion, including a visit to the National Finals at Cheltenham. They have recently moved in to their new bandroom at Bridge Street Club in Darwen and under the direction of their M.D. Daniel Thomas are working hard to improve all elements of the band organisation. Daniel also conducts B&D Junior Band which contains dedicated, hardworking and talented children from the local area. The aim is to improve the standard of performance from both bands in the next few years.