The History of ESB
Founded in 1950, Eastbourne Silver Band has become an enduring part of the town’s cultural fabric. Its formation followed a meeting at Eastbourne Police Headquarters, where local residents came together to discuss establishing a town band. With the support of the town council and local businessman Gilbert Foyle, of Foyle Bookshops, the band was soon officially formed. An initial donation of £50 enabled the group to purchase instruments and begin rehearsing.
In its early years, the band performed at local venues such as the Redoubt Bandstand and at events in villages around Sussex. As its reputation grew, so did the demand for its performances. The band was soon invited to play at prominent venues such as the Royal Hippodrome Theatre for the Fred Karno Show, and it even provided music for the trailer of the film Marching Along at the Picturedrome (later The Curzon).
Under the dynamic leadership of Marcus Plant, the band has seen a fresh injection of youth and energy. Marcus, who joined the band as its musical director, has broadened its repertoire to include modern compositions, film scores, and popular music alongside traditional brass band pieces. This new direction has helped the band appeal to a wider audience, ensuring its continued relevance in the community.
Eastbourne Silver Band has also resumed its tradition of international touring. Most recently, the band travelled to Belgium, performing a series of concerts. Looking ahead, the band has exciting plans for the future, including a concert tour of Germany in May 2025 to celebrate its 75th anniversary. These tours continue to showcase the band’s music on an international stage while promoting Eastbourne abroad.
One of the most cherished traditions of Eastbourne Silver Band is its Christmas Day concert, a free event held annually at the Eastbourne Bandstand. Drawing thousands of people each year, this festive concert has become a beloved part of the town’s holiday celebrations. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, the band continued the tradition by performing outdoors, keeping the spirit of the event alive.
Since 2011, the band has also hosted the Eastbourne Festival of Remembrance, a concert dedicated to honouring those who have served in the armed forces. Each year, the event features a themed programme of music, culminating in a period of reflection with the playing of the Last Post and Reveille. A voluntary collection is taken at the end, with all proceeds donated to local forces charities, while the concert itself is funded by the band and supported by local sponsorship.
Throughout the year, Eastbourne Silver Band plays at a variety of local events, including fêtes, the Eastbourne Carnival, and carolling at local care homes during Christmas. These performances reflect the band’s commitment to the community, engaging with residents of all ages. The band has also appeared on ITV South News, Susan Calman’s “Days Out” on Channel 5, and will soon feature in a social media campaign with Absolute Radio. In 2017, they performed in Brassed Off at Devonshire Park Theatre with Jeffrey Holland.
With 75 years of history, the band thrives by blending tradition with innovation. Whether at local events or international tours, Eastbourne Silver Band remains a proud ambassador of Eastbourne’s musical legacy for future generations.
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