Band History: the formation

The band can trace its history back to a Council Meeting on 9th September 1893 when an item on the agenda was "Bands and Street Music". The person responsible for this appears to have been the Mayor, Mr F.A. Blades, who felt that it would be a good thing to have a Town Band. After much discussion the item was allowed "... to stand over for a year."

This appears to be the first mention of a Town Band but it was still some time before there was any action.

Late in 1893 Mr William Tyrer appeared on the scene offering £100 to a local string band. However, on finding that this group had political affiliations he moved his interest to the existing Wesleyan Mission Band, members of which he frequently entertained to supper at the Coffee Tavern in Harpur Street.

It was at one of these gatherings on 13th April 1894 that the reformation and future management of the Wesleyan Band was discussed. Other interested parties were present and many advanced money to support the Band. At this time only 15 instruments were owned by the Band. A Committee was formed and the name was changed to "The Bedford Town Band".

The newly formed band's first engagement was on the 4th May 1894 (Whit Monday) at a Grand Fete in Cardington Road under the baton of Mr William Taylor who had been the conductor of the Wesleyan Mission Band. Members of this formed the nucleus of the new band. The performance received favourable comment. It was reported that the Band played with "... much taste and expression with selections of an elevating class and understanding of the people."

On the 18th August 1894 the Band entered its first contest at the Athletic Ground in Luton under the baton of Mr Ogden of the Luton Red Cross Band. Success was quick in coming and the Band won two contests, the first for the playing of a quick step with a prize of 15s and the second for the competition proper for which the test piece was 'Elixir of Love'. The first prize for this was £4 and a cornet to the value of £9 9s. A silver medal was also awarded to the best player. An auspicious start for the new Bedford Town Band.