Chester Band May 4th 2017

Originating in the early 1850's the band was formed from money left over from a fund established by the 'Ladies of Chester', to buy a present for Queen Victoria. The money was donated to the Blue Coat School Foundation, and so the Blue Coat Band came about. With a likely formation date of 1853, the band celebrated its 150th Birthday in 2003.

Today the band proudly carries the City name and is totally self-supporting as a registered charity, with its own band room in Bedward Row. In 1997, the band was successful in obtaining a Lottery Grant that enabled the purchase of new instruments and the widening of public access to the band, brass band music and the formation of a thriving Training Band. Currently, rehearsals are held in the Bedward Row band room on Monday and Wednesday nights from 20:00 to 22:00. Experienced players (especially students from our local colleges/university continuing a great tradition) are always welcome to come and join us for a 'blow!'

In 2000 the City of Chester Band formed a training band which has gone from strength to strength, with a number progressing to playing in the main band and one on to study music at university. All who have played in the Training Band have benefitted from developing their life skills.