The Future of Foden’s Band: A Search for a New Rehearsal Home

A community brass band was established in the early 1900s in Sandbach, a market town in south Cheshire, receiving support from the local truck manufacturer Foden’s. Over 120 years on, Foden’s Band has risen to prominence as one of the world’s leading brass bands, securing numerous national and international championship titles. However, the band recently encountered a significant challenge when its members were informed they must vacate their rehearsal premises by February, a situation that could jeopardize their preparations for the European championships scheduled for May. Mark Wilkinson, the band manager, stated that they are “more or less homeless” and has appealed to the community for assistance in locating suitable space. “We’ve been around for a long time and hopefully we’ll be around for a lot more time to come,” he informed BBC Radio Stoke. The origins of Foden’s Band trace back to the early 20th Century, when the Sandbach Volunteer Band and the Wheelock Temperance Society Band were active. In May 1900, both ensembles declined to march to Elworth, a suburb of the town, following a procession commemorating the Relief of Mafeking. Consequently, the dissatisfied residents of Elworth established their own brass band, which subsequently became known as the Elworth Silver Band. Nevertheless, its operations ceased in 1902 due to a disagreement concerning a performance intended to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII. During this dispute, Edwin Foden, associated with Elworth-based Foden’s Trucks, proposed to purchase the band’s instruments for approximately £58, an offer that was turned down. Following the disbandment of the Elworth Silver Band and the sale of its instruments, Mr Foden acquired a new set of instruments for the musicians who were without a band, thereby marking the inception of the Foden Motor Works Band. Currently, Foden’s Band consistently ranks among the top brass bands globally and has triumphed in numerous competitions. The band has secured victory in the British Open Brass Band Championships 13 times, with its latest win occurring in 2023, and has also claimed the National Championships of Great Britain 16 times. In the National Championships of Great Britain, the band has twice accomplished an “unparalleled” hat-trick, winning consecutively for three years from 1932 to 1934 and again from 1936 to 1938. Furthermore, it holds the record for the most area contest victories, with 26 titles in the north west region, and emerged victorious in the European Championships in 1992. Foden’s Band has performed under Royal Command four times: for King George V in 1913, King George VI in 1938 and 1940, and Queen Elizabeth II in 1983. “I’ve been in the band 32 years and even since then, we’ve won every major title,” Mr Wilkinson stated. The band’s musicians have also toured internationally, delivering successful performances at American and Swiss brass band championships. Foden’s Band moved to its present location at Bradwall Village Hall after a fire destroyed its previous premises in 2016. However, this year, members received notification that their rehearsal space would be “adopted for other uses” starting in February 2025, necessitating their relocation. Mr Wilkinson indicated that this decision would affect rehearsals for the European Championships, scheduled for May in Norway. Although other bands have offered their spaces, he affirmed that the musicians are resolute in their desire to stay in Sandbach. “This is where our roots are so we want to stay in Sandbach. We don’t want to move out,” Mr Wilkinson commented. Individuals with potential suggestions are encouraged to contact the band via its website.