Ferryhill Town Band has recorded a new CD to celebrate 100 years in existence. The band was originally formed in 1909 by miners from Mainsforth Colliery and was named Mainsforth Colliery Brass Band.

In the early years the miners contributed 1/2d per a week to support the band. Part of their contribution also went towards supporting the cricket team, bowls team and many more activities associated with the colliery at that time. Over the years the bands name has changed many times, though its roots in the town’s community have never changed.

The band has been involved in many community events throughout the past 100 years. These have included the Miners Gala in Durham and in Remembrance Day parades. In 2000 as Northern Region Champions the band represented Ferryhill at the Royal Albert Hall in the National Finals.

The new CD is a reflection of the bands history and a piece of music was specially commissioned for the centenary celebrations. Paul Lovatt-Cooper one of the hottest young composing talents of his generation wrote the music entitled, ‘Angle of the North’. Paul has worked with the world famous Black Dyke Band and the BT Band.

The CD is available from many outlets throughout Ferryhill or directly from band members. A series of concerts by the band are being scheduled for later in the year. For further information or to purchase a CD please contact band member Peter Atkinson on 01740 656118.