How many colliery bands are there?
Brass bands reached their peak in the 1890s, when there were around 5,000 brass bands in the country. Today, there are 1,200 brass bands in Britain with around 30,000 players.
Why is Grimethorpe called Grimethorpe?
It is believed that the name Grimethorpe originates from “Grim’s Torp”, a mixture of Anglo-Saxon and Viking names, meaning a torp or hamlet owned by a Viking named Grimey. Grimethorpe is at the foot of the hill upon which is the village of Brierley.
Who is the best brass band in the world?
Our Pick: Top 5 Brass Bands in the World
- #1 – Cory Brass Band, from Wales. Dave Childs. 12.8K subscribers.
- #2 – Eikanger-Bjørsvik, from Norway. Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag.
- #3 – Flowers Band, from England. matth892.
- #4 – Brass Band Willebroek, from Belgium. VLAMO.
- #5 – No BS! Brass Band (We’re allowed x1 unconventional choice!!)
Is brassed off based on a true story?
The true story of Grimethorpe and its famous band gave him his vehicle and Brassed Off was the result. The film is set in the fictional mining town of Grimley where the local pit is rumoured to be under threat of closure.
What is the Grimethorpe Colliery Band?
The Grimethorpe Colliery Band is a brass band, based in Grimethorpe, South Yorkshire, England. It was formed in 1917, as a leisure activity for the workers at the colliery, by members of the disbanded Cudworth Colliery Band. It achieved worldwide fame after appearing in the film Brassed Off,…
What happened to the band Grimethorpe?
The band continued through the industrial troubles of the 1980s and the closure of Grimethorpe Colliery on 13 October 1992.
Who was the first conductor of the Grimethorpe band?
Thompson was followed by Elgar Howarth as Professional Conductor and Musical Director. 1974 saw the band, along with Black Dyke Mills Band, become the first to perform at the Proms . The band continued through the industrial troubles of the 1980s and the closure of Grimethorpe Colliery on 13 October 1992.
When did the Grimethorpe brass band win the National Championship?
The band gained first place with 99 out of 100 on 17 October 1992 in the National Brass Band Championship at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Following the closure of the Grimethorpe Colliery in 1993, the Band was sponsored by RJB Mining (later UK Coal plc) and then by Powerfuel.