This is a concise version of the bands history if you would like to know more about the origins of the Longridge Brass Band you can purchase the book "Longridge Brass Band - from schoolyard to the Albert Hall" by Peter Vickers which is available to order via the contact page.
IN THE BEGINNING
The first mention of the band in any publication was in the Preston Chronicle for the 17th May 1845 when at the Goosnargh Club Day held on Whit Tuesday the members of The Independant Order of Mechanics were accompanied by the Longridge (New) Band. The Preston Guardian of the same date refers to them as the Longridge Brass Band.
But the question of who formed the band, who played in it and where did the money come from to purchase the instruments still remained unanswered.
The Answer was to be found in nearby Preston where in 1844 the Church of England Parish Church, St John's, had benefited from the formation of a brass band whose members were scholars at the National School and Sunday School Band who's instruments were provided by the generosity of one man, Mr. M Myres.
Brass Band Contests . .
Brass Band contests began around the middle of the 19th Century. The attraction to the bands was partly financial: the 4th Lancashire Rifles Volunteer Band from Bacup won prizes totalling £1,370 plus instruments to the value of £300 in the years between 1862 and 1871. Members of the Longridge band were well aware of this. Secondly there was the challenge of playing new music.