The Cawston Brass Band is a Norwich, Norfolk (uk), brass band which rehearses twice a week (Monday & Wednesday) just outside Norwich, in Horsham St. Faiths, Norfolk.
Cawston Band prides itself on its reputation for versitility and quality. The band competes nationally on a regular basis, whilst also maintaining a very high level of concert performance. The Cawston Band can provide a full band for any event, but also small or large ensembles for weddings. When it comes to music we can play lighter programmes for events such as the CAMRA Norwich beer festival, Proms music for concerts such as 'Proms on the Pitch', 40's music for themed 'War Years'concerts and of-course the traditional Brass Band programme ( because everyone loves a Brass Band ! ).
Cawston & District Silver Prize Band, to give them their original title, were formed in 1886 in the village of Cawston 11 miles north of Norwich.
Early history of the band is very difficult to find. They do know that the bands first rehearsal room was based above the Bell Inn in Cawston. which remained the bands home till 1960s, when they moved to Cawston Primary School. In the 1970s they moved again to the Mission Room in Horsham St Faiths, finally relocating in 1998 to the St Faiths Centre. Nearly 40 years on, Horsham St. Faiths remains the bands home.
In order to maintain a high standard of playing the band enjoys competing. Entering contests nationally, along side other like-minded musicians, all hoping that they worked hard enough in the lead up, to bag a trophy! Brass Band Contesting is not new thing. In the early days they were a very successful contesting band making several appearances at Crystal Palace, but sadly never managing to capture a prize. Despite disappointments at Crystal Palace, the band did manage to win 176 prizes in 11 years and at one point they secured 14 prizes in 4 days!
1983 saw Cawston Band become one of the first Norfolk bands to appear at the Royal Albert Hall. The occasion was the 4th Section National Finals, and six members of the band that played on that day still play with the band today. The band has qualified for several National Finals since then; playing at Wembley, Cardiff International Arena (although not winning a prize, the band were congratulated in the banding press for their Mexican Wave whilst waiting for the results!) and more recently Harrogate International Centre. The bands steady progression over the years has seen them rise up the ranks to the 1st Section nationally. Despite the band enjoying participating in contests, the lifeblood of the band is concert work. So let the band play on!
For the period between the 1930s and 1970s the band have little or no archive material. If anybody reading this has any information, pictures or press cuttings they would be delighted to hear from you, in order to try and fill in the gaps.