Formed in 1893, Bilton Silver (Rugby) Band is, and always has been, an independent, community-based brass band in the village of Bilton, Rugby, in Warwickshire, England. The band is a traditional contesting brass band, placed in the First Section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. We currently have around 35 senior members, with ages ranging from pre-teens to seventies, plus a thriving Training Band of mostly (but not all!) school-age players.
The band is open to all, instruments are provided and, where required, guidance is given to learners. The band has always taken a central role in all the events of the Bilton and Rugby areas, such as church parades, local fetes and town and village celebrations. Many of the band members are from the local area, but a number travel from further afield.
In 1893, a local clergyman decided he ought to do something to keep the local boys "off the streets" (and ironically enough, out of the ale-houses!) The result was the Bilton Magnet Brass Band - a band to "attract" the youngsters and keep them out of mischief. Later, the band became known simply as the Bilton Brass Band, and then, after the acquisition of a set of new silver-plated instruments, became Bilton Silver Band. Finally, with the demise of the Rugby Town Band, we incorporated the name of the town of Rugby into the band's name, and have been known as Bilton Silver (Rugby) Band ever since.
Well, we are a sociable bunch, meeting at our own rehearsal room in Bilton twice a week. Rehearsals are on Monday and Friday, at 7.30pm, usually followed, after two hours hard blowing, with a visit to Bilton Social Club, just round the corner from the band room, and very much our "home patch".
We perform at many concerts throughout the year, varying from "Last Night of the Proms" events and Summer fetes, to Christmas carol services.
The town of Rugby is twinned with the German town of Ruesselsheim, near Frankfurt am Main. We have been involved in twinning activities with our "twin band", the Ruesselsheimer Musikanten, for nearly two decades!
Well you can. Our future engagements are listed on this site - and in the meantime, you can have that genuine British Brass Band sound in your own home - just click "Buy CDs and Tapes"!
Last updated: this page: 23rd February 2006