Connecting during the Corona crisis – Langholm Town Band

Continuing our feature on how Scottish bands are staying connected during the Coronavirus pandemic, Langholm Town Band tells us more about themselves:

Founded in 1815, Langholm Town Band has been a continuous servant of the local area for over 200 years. ​The band's first significant recorded appearance was for the return of the Scots Greys from the Battle of Waterloo when a recently-formed band of musicians paraded the returning soldiers through the town in 1815.

The commanding officer was so impressed with the band that he presented them with part of the brass from his horse's harness. This is now known as the 'Band Buckle' which occupies pride of place among other relics in Langholm Town Hall.

​Over the years the band has played a significant part in local events and continues to support the annual Common Riding on the last Friday in July every year, leading the Cornet and his followers through the streets on the big day.

​The band has played for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and the first man on the moon, Commander Neil Armstrong, when he visited the town to be given the freedom of the burgh. In 1988 the band also took part in The Lord Mayor's Show, representing Langholm along with the pipe band. And in 2014 the band led a procession when the Commonwealth Baton passed through the region en route to Glasgow.

​Langholm has contested intermittently over the years and is currently enjoying high success in the 3rd section, coming runners up at the Scottish Championships in March, after previously taking runners up positions in the 4th section in 1964 and 2010.

In the Borders Entertainment Contest, Langholm has held the trophy for best 3rd section band, together with the deportment prize, for the last four years.  It has also been awarded most entertaining band on two occasions and its highest place came in 2017 with an overall second position. 

This is now the third time the band has reached the National Brass Band Championships, firstly in 1964 under Alfred Chapman and in 2010 under Alan Fernie. Langholm is looking forward to taking part once again in September, this time under the direction of conductor Chris Shanks.

• Let us know about your band. Tell us about some of your successes, when you were founded, where and when you rehearse (when things are back to normal), and how your members are coping during the Coronavirus emergency situation.

Just send a couple of photos and a short write-up to Nigel Martin at sbbapr@gmail.com