West Somerset Brass Band
Originally the Watchet Royal British Legion Band, the West Somerset Brass Band was formed in1952 when a small number of brass players pooled their enthusiasm and joined together using the title and the premises of the Royal British Legion Club in Watchet.
In the early years, after its formation, it regularly entered into the competition field which helped to promote and maintain a high standard of playing and the Band has gained some creditable results.
At present, the Band attracts players mainly from the town of Watchet, but also has several members from around the district. There is active encouragement to attract new members and learners of all ages. We are also very pleased to welcome musicians from other bands who may be holidaying or moving into the area.
Under the direction of our Musical Director, Niall Watson, a wide variety of music is performed which is the basis of the brass band’s universal appeal. This enables the band to undertake a wide range of engagements including church services, formal concerts, fetes and carnivals around West Somerset and beyond.
The Band visits Watchet’s twin town of St. Renan, in Brittany, every two years. Our most recent visit was in August 2014. In 2004, because of its connections with the area, we were invited to play at the prestigious Festival Of The Sea in Brest (which also was celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the Entente Cordiale). We were extremely well received – attracting large audiences for each of the three concerts given.
In September 2008, the band changed its name to The West Somerset Brass Band.
West Somerset Brass Band have continued to stay in touch throughout the last year with online quizzes, bingo and virtual rehearsals.
When the nation were out clapping for the NHS workers, we showed our appreciation by our members taking to their doorsteps and all playing the same piece of music. Renditions of Over The Rainbow, What a Wonderful World, Land of Hope & Glory on St. Georges day, You’ll Never Walk Alone to celebrate Colonel Tom Moore’s 100th birthday and White Cliffs of Dover & We’ll Meet Again to commemorate VE Day could heard around Watchet, where we are based, and across West Somerset.
Although we are still unable to all meet up at once, we have been having virtual rehearsals and meeting in groups of 6 to ensure that we are still making music together.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the final ever original episode of The Muppet Show on TV, and to mark a whole year since our last full rehearsal, here is The West Somerset Brass Band's virtual lockdown tribute!
The band recorded a CD in 2009 as a tribute to Rodney Wells a founder member, Principal Cornet and Musical Director of the band. A further CD is planned to celebrate the bands 70th Anniversary.
As we are all aware Covid-19 has affected all our lives and brass bands have been no exception. We are not allowed to practice together as a whole but continue individual practice following guidance from our Musical Director Niall Watson.
Weather
Watchet 10 °C
Watchet United Kingdom
Showers,
10 °C
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| Sunrise: 5:18 am | Sunset: 9:03 pm | ||
| 86% 17.0 km/h 1002.000 bar | ||
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| Tue | Low: 7 °C | High: 14 °C | |
| Wed | Low: 7 °C | High: 14 °C | |
| Thu | Low: 6 °C | High: 13 °C | |
| Fri | Low: 8 °C | High: 12 °C | |
| Sat | Low: 6 °C | High: 11 °C | |
| Sun | Low: 5 °C | High: 11 °C | |
| Mon | Low: 6 °C | High: 13 °C | |
| Tue | Low: 7 °C | High: 13 °C | |
| Wed | Low: 7 °C | High: 13 °C | |
| Thu | Low: 7 °C | High: 15 °C | |
Current Events
We are sorry but all events are on hold at this time
- 01 April 2020 - 01 March 2021
- United Kingdom
- Unavailable
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To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the final ever original episode of The Muppet Show on TV, and to mark a whole year since our last full rehearsal, here is The West Somerset Brass Band's virtual lockdown tribute!
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1940's Weekend, Watchet. 14th September 2019.
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