Our story
One of the oldest brass bands in the South of England—and still proudly at the heart of our town.
Ware, Hertfordshire
Ware Brass is a traditional brass band with a busy programme of concerts, community events and competitions.
Our full 25-piece band performs throughout the year, while our smaller ten-piece ensemble brings the Ware Brass sound to more intimate occasions. We welcome visiting players at rehearsal and are always pleased to hear from musicians interested in joining us.
A brief history
From a nineteenth-century town band to today’s concert stage, Ware Brass has evolved with the generations while keeping its local identity.
There is evidence of brass and wind music in Ware from the mid-nineteenth century. The formation of an association of bands in London and the Home Counties in 1894 gives us the date now recognised as the band’s official beginning.
With help from the Co-operative Society, Ware became an all-brass band between the two world wars. The Co-op financed its first uniforms, originally worn by the celebrated CWS Manchester Band. Ware flourished through the 1930s and 1940s under the Carter brothers, followed by Alf Hulls and Doug Lockerby.
The band dropped “Town” from its name and became Ware Brass. Under John Sharples, new deep-blue uniforms followed in 1979. With support from Ware Town Council, local industry and individual contributors, the band later acquired new instruments and returned to its familiar green.
Kenny Durbin became Musical Director and led Ware Brass to a succession of entertainment and National contest successes. Over the next three years, the band rose from the Fourth to the Second Section.
Phillip Littlemore placed concert-giving at the centre of band life. Ware’s November Concert Spectaculars became local favourites, while continued contest success brought promotion to the First Section in 2014. Phillip’s eleven-year tenure ended when his family moved to the Isle of Wight.
Led by Musical Director Jonathan Lockwood, Ware Brass continues to entertain audiences, represent the town and build on a proud musical tradition.
Meet our Musical Director →Be part of the story
Come to a concert, sit in at a rehearsal, join the band or become a Friend of Ware Brass.