The history of The Wigston Brass Band can be traced back to the late nineteenth century, when it was originally founded as 'The Wesleyan Mission Band'. In 1902, the band changed its name to 'The Wigston Temperance Band' under the baton of a local musical shop owner, Charlie Moore. Charlie continued to conduct the band throughout a significant period of the band's development, which included many appearances at some of the country's most prestigious venues including 'The Crystal Palace' and the 'Belle Vue Halls' in Manchester. In the 1950's Charlie passed the baton on to his son, Ted, who carried on the family tradition by taking the band to many contest honours including the National Finals on several occasions.

The history of The Wigston Brass Band can be traced back to the late nineteenth century, when it was originally founded as 'The Wesleyan Mission Band'. In 1902, the band changed its name to 'The Wigston Temperance Band' under the baton of a local musical shop owner, Charlie Moore. Charlie continued to conduct the band throughout a significant period of the band's development, which included many appearances at some of the country's most prestigious venues including 'The Crystal Palace' and the 'Belle Vue Halls' in Manchester. In the 1950's Charlie passed the baton on to his son, Ted, who carried on the family tradition by taking the band to many contest honours including the National Finals on several occasions.

In more recent years, the Band has suffered from mixed fortunes and yet another name change. In the 1980s, the band attained a place in the Second section of the Brass Band Association, as well as changing its name to The Wigston Band, dropping the word 'Temperance' (some say that this was due to the drinking habits of its members!).

In 1998 the band was rewarded, for it's hard work, by a grant from the Arts Council of England to the sum of £58,000. This has been used to refurbish the band's rehearsal room and to purchase a new set of instruments, which has helped to enhance the band's performances at concerts and contests.

The year 2002 was a very special year for the band as it celebrated 100 years of existence within the brass band arena. A centenary concert was held on 8 June to mark this occasion with ex-players and associates invited to help the band celebrate this milestone. Two pieces of music, written by Charlie Moore were played out for the first time at this concert and photographic displays and memorabilia of 'days' gone by' were displayed.

In recent years, Easter time for the band has recently seen the Band stretching their wings and undertaking concert tours in areas of Spain, mainly Benidorm and Torrevieja, playing to audiences in the excess of 700, as well as appearing on Spanish television and making front page in the local Spanish press.The band are hoping to undertake another tour in the next few years to Prague or Belgium.

More recently, after a successful few years in the second section, including a visit to the National Finals at Harrogate and winning the LBBA contest in November, we are now set for the challenge of the First Section in 2007.

We currently have a playing strength of around 30 with ages of the players ranging from Thirteen to Seventy Something. We have a busy year ahead, with engagements and competitions throughout 2007, a great range of concerts and performances lined up, as well as much hard work in preparation for the 'Area' competition in March.

The newly formed Intermediate Band now holds the key to Wigston Band's future. This very new venture hopes to provide future longevity for the band and may it continue for at least another 100 years.