100 years on from its foundation, the City of Lichfield Concert Band continues to entertain the people of Lichfield and the surrounding area. The second world war caused a long break but the band was re-started in 1985 by a group of music enthusiasts after a light-bulb idea in a local pub. Councillor John Wilks, one of the re-founding members, is the current President of the Band.

The band has had a number of notable Conductors. At the end of the first world war, Sgt. George Venables, a member of the Old Contempibles, returned to his native Staffordshire and became Conductor of the band. Sgt. Venables is also remembered for his diary from the 1914 trenches, now part of the nation's heritage. Another ex-Army Bandmaster, Richard Murphy, was one of the group that restarted the band in 1984, conducting and directing the music for almost 20 years. Richard composed the march, Salve Magna Parens, which is dedicated to the City of Lichfield and played at many of the band's concerts. Simon St John-Locke, now a freelance horn player and music consultant, helped develop the spirit of camaraderie which is evident in concerts and makes playing in the band a great experience for its musicians as well as the audience.

We are fortunate to have as our current Conductor and Director of Music, Mark Vause, a distinguished cornet player and finalist in the National Solo Championship of Great Britain, with a diploma in conducting from the Royal Schools of Music. Mark is widening the range of music and helping the band raise its performance still further. The band has a special relationship with the City of Lichield and plays for civic events, including the Sheriff's Ride, twinning and other public ceremonies. Four concerts are given in the Guildhall each year and the band also plays regularly at Proms in the Park, an annual open air concert. Invitations are frequently received to play in other venues around the West Midlands, including Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Tamworth Castle.

Rehearsals generally take place on Monday evenings in the Guildhall. Membership now exceeds 50 but there are still openings for additional players. Currently, applications would be especially welcome from trombone and french horn players. It may be necessary to put your name on a waiting list for sections that are particularly popular at the present time. If you are interested in joining the band, please send an email to mail@lichfieldconcertband.co.uk or contact any of the committee members.

 For information about forthcoming concerts, please follow the link on the right.

 We look forward to entertaining you!