Skelmersdale Prize Band

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Holy Trinity Church

The band enjoyed performing for a lovely audience at Holy Trinity Church, Bickerstaffe. The band performed an entertaining programme including traditional brass band pieces, music from screen and stage, popular music and music commemorating 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Long Service Presentation

A presentation was made to Derek "Danny" Kiggins for continued service to the band since 1947.

A truly remarkable feat.  Our thanks go to Danny for all the help he gives to the Band.

Remembrance at Lathom Chapel

The Band played at Lathom Chapel celebrating the part played in the 1st World war as a Station for the transport of horses to the war effort.

Skelmersdale Prize Band in Concert

Come along and listen to Skelmersdale Prize Band perform an entertaining programme of music from traditional brass band pieces to music from film and stage and popular music. 

We have lots of concerts, socials and fundraising events coming up. Keep checking our events page for upcoming events. See you soon!

Podium Finish at Rochdale Contest

The band are proud to have been placed third at the recent Rochdale Contest. The band's performance of the test piece Dimensions by Philip Sparke drew positive remarks from the adjudicator and was well appreciated by a full audience at Rochdale Town Hall. 

As Musical Director, Ben Coulson's first contest, this forms a solid foundation for the band to build on. The result is a great achievement and testament to the hard work of Ben and the Band.

Blackburn and Darwen Hymn and March Contest

The band had a great afternoon playing at the Blackburn and Darwen Hymn and March Contest. It was the band's first engagement with our new Musical Director, Ben Coulson and we're looking forward to exciting times ahead!

New MD Returns to Home Roots

Skelmersdale Prize Band are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ben Coulson as their new Musical Director.

Influenced by his parents, who have both played in various brass bands in the local area, Ben first started to learn the cornet at Skelmersdale Prize Band. After a successful four years of contesting and performing in events in the local area with the band, Ben left the principal cornet seat to play for the acclaimed Blackburn and Darwen Band.

Here, he settled on the flugel seat, before moving to Huddersfield after his A Levels to study for his degree in Music, where he studied under the expert tutorship of Phillip McCann. Upon his move to Huddersfield, Ben was invited to join the Hammonds Band. Here, Ben enjoyed qualifying out of the Grand Shield on two occasions, along with taking part in many competitions including the British Open, the National Finals and Brass in Concert. 

Ben has recently qualified as a music teacher and is returning to his hometown of Wigan after successfully securing a job in Warrington. With this brings the opportunity for Ben to look to the future and begin his conducting career at home with Skelmersdale Prize Band – the band who helped him take his first tentative steps into brass musicianship.

Through the years, Ben has been a regular visitor and friend to the band, so all members are happy to welcome him back. As a band, we look forward to the exciting changes and challenges that a new MD brings, and we are confident that there is much success on the horizon with Ben at the helm. Ben's first engagement as MD will be the Blackburn and Darwen March and Hymn Contest on Sunday 16th September.

“With the Hammonds Band, I have been very fortunate to enjoy years of playing at the best contests in some amazing venues, and also some brilliant concerts around the country. The best part for me though was the amazing team spirit within the band. I think it’s too rare now to find a band where every player has total commitment, whilst also enjoying a great social time as a group of 25 good friends. This attitude is something that I would now like to bring home. I am looking forward to taking Skelmersdale through this next chapter in the band’s amazing history; it’s great to conduct William Rimmer’s former band.” – Ben Coulson

Welcome to Liam and Wendy!

The band are very pleased to welcome Liam and Wendy to the ranks. Liam, son of EEb bass player Andy, started playing tenor horn with our Youth Band.  He now joins the percussion section of Skem Band. Wendy Thorpe, wife of cornet player Chris, returns to the band on tenor horn after a few years away from brass banding.

Great to have both on board!

Ainsdale Show

The band enjoyed leading the procession at Ainsdale Show.  

Band walk

Sunday 24th June

Members of the band had a great day out walking around Rydal water in the Lake District with a welcome break at Rydal Hall coffee shop for some light refreshment. Thanks to Ellen and J-P for organising it.

Happy 70th Birthday Penky!

The band wish a very happy 70th birthday to our percussionist and chief barman Alan Penk 🎉🎈

Bickerstaffe Treat Day

The band enjoyed performing at Bickerstaffe Treat Day. It was a great day and we were well looked after by the organisers...look forward to seeing you again next year!

Southport Botanic Gardens

The band enjoyed playing to an amazing audience at Southport Botanic Gardens.

Ainsdale Fun Day

The band thoroughly enjoyed performing at Ainsdale Fun Day.

Royal Wedding Garden Party

We had a great day playing at The Millstone's Garden Party in celebration of the Royal Wedding.

Pink Ribbon Walk

Members of the band, Sarah, Ellen and J-P along with Sarah's family walked in the Peak District to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. 

Please sponsor them here.

Cake Sale

As part of the band's fundraising efforts, we held a cake sale. It was a great event enjoyed by all and lots of funds were raised. It was great to have a chat over a cuppa and there were some very yummy bakes! Thank you to everyone who helped and all who supported us by coming along and having tea and cake with us.

Happy Birthday!

The band had the pleasure of playing Happy Birthday to West Lancashire's Town Crier Don Evans. We surprised Don at his home to wish him a happy 80th birthday.

Spring Clean

Band room looking good after a weekend of work, painting the outside, gardening and sorting out old music. A great big thank you to all who put the effort in.

Wicked!

Members of the band enjoyed watching Wicked at Liverpool Empire with members of Maghull Wind Orchestra.

North West Regionals 

And we're off to sunny Blackpool for the North West Regionals!

Contest Success

A great result for our principal cornet James Ball, winning the "best soloist" award at the Brass at the Guild contest 2018. The band were placed 5th.