Throughout this year, an Isle of Wight band has been celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of free concerts at venues across the Island.
The Shanklin Town Brass Band's celebrations culminated in a concert at Shanklin’s United Reformed Church, in front of a packed audience, which included special guest High Sheriff Dawn Haig-Thomas.
Founded in October 1993 by Karen and Malcolm Lewis, with only a few players and borrowed instruments, the band has grown steadily with many achievements along the way.
As a contesting band, they have won the Southern Counties Amateur Brass Band Association’s Second Selection, and its Youth Band has been named SCABA’s Band of the Year on three occasions.
In 2017, Shanklin Town Brass Band came third in the South Western heat of the National Brass Band Championships and achieved fourth place again this year.
Throughout the summer, the band regularly appeared at the bandstand in Rylstone Gardens in Shanklin, entertaining visitors and locals alike.
In 2016, the band was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for its charity work, involvement with young persons and commitment to preserving the Island’s heritage.
In addition to its Youth Band, it operates a music academy for beginners and a Community Band for members of those who wish to learn an instrument or to return to banding.
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