Welcome to Birmingham Concert Band UK's website  Formed in 1961,  'BCB' is possibly one of the oldest bands in the Midlands Area.  Under the baton of well known Midlands wind instrumentalist,  Eric Entwistle,  the Band has occupied many rehearsal locations over the past 50 or so years.  In the early days,  the pubs used for practice (and recreation!) were often in a poor state of repair and soon closed for redevelopment.  It was not until the 70's that regular premises became available and the Band enjoyed superb conditions at the Masonic Temple,  Edgbaston for many years,  followed in the late 90's by a brief,  but unsatisfactory,  move to a Skittle Alley,  before moving to the present venue in Catherine de Barnes,  Solihull. With approximately 1000 items in the Band's library,  it probably has one of the largest repertoires of music for Concert Band in the country.  The Band 'inherited' the huge library of the City of Birmingham Police Band,  containing music publications dating back to the beginning of the 1900's.  This has been added to over the years,  and more recent publications were purchased thanks to a Lottery Grant awarded in 2000. The Band has performed at many venues in the Midlands,  has appeared in France,  and had two trips to Malta and Gozo in the Mediterranean. Here are some highlights of the Band's first 'Forty Years' 1973     Premier Award at British Concert Band Festival 1974     Runner-up at British Concert Band Festival 1975     Premier Award at British Concert Band Festival 1976     Band Concerts,  Novotel,  Metz,  France 1980     Social trip to Boulogne,  France 1981     Social trip to Ostend and Brussels, Belgium 1983     Concerts at Aurora Theatre and Xewkija Village,  Gozo,  Malta 1986     Social trip The Rhine Valley,  Germany 1987     Concerts at Melieha Bay,  Malta and Aurora Theatre,  Gozo 1994     Gold Award Boosey & Hawkes Concert Band Festival 2000     Lottery Award for the purchase of a new instrument and music 2001     40th Anniversary Celebratory Lunch 2011     50th Anniversary Celebratory Lunch 40th Anniversary Celebratory Lunch,  2001

Forthcoming Concerts and Events Sunday 3rd June 2012 - The Big Lunch,  Dickens Heath Solihull The Band will be providing music for this event to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, along with other community groups from around the Solihull Borough Saturday 9th June 2012 - Temple Balsall The Band will entertain at the event to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Saturday 8th Spetember 2012 - Heritage Weekend at Temple Balsall The Band returns to Temple Balsall to provide music for the annual Garden Fete during the National Heritage Weekend Sunday 23rd September 2012 - Birmingham Botanical Gardens A return visit to the Gardens for an afternoon in the Bandstand Rehearsals Rehearsals continue every Monday evening, except Bank Holidays and school holidays, starting at 19.45 through to 22.00 at St. Catherine's Church,  Hampton Lane,  Catherine de Barnes,  Solihull (next door to The Boat pub;  use their car park!) 50th Anniversary Year - 2011 The Band has been performing for 50 years,  and we had a busy year helping others to raise funds, providing entertainment at a number of events. We would like to continue our 51st Year with a comparable diary.  So, if you have an event and would like us to help you,  please contact Band Secretary, Sue Fullard  at info@birminghamconcertband.co.uk Vacancies The Band has vacancies for Concert Band instrumentalists on several stands. Minimum standard required - Grade V or suitable and appropriate relevant experience in music making. It is not customary to subject prospective members to the audition process,  and all applicants are welcome to attend and settle down for a few weeks before deciding whether they like the Band....... or the Band likes them! Contact For more details about the Band and rehearsals,  or to book the Band for your event,  please contact Band Secretary, Sue Fullard  at info@birminghamconcertband.co.uk   Departing for a Concert,  Gozo