Politics and brass bands have been intertwined since the earliest days of banding, from the industrial roots of colliery and works bands to modern debates over funding and public perception.

Starting with the formation of early brass bands by industrialists, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston dive into how bands were used as tools for advertising, community morale, and even social control. They trace the impact of political shifts, like the decline of industry and the miners’ strikes, which marked the beginning of the end for many colliery bands. The episode reveals how band names evolved alongside their sponsors and how bands have navigated shifting political landscapes from the Victorian era to today.

Guests include David Hirst, who shares his deep knowledge of Black Dyke’s industrial heritage, and journalist Iwan Fox, who discusses the crucial but often contentious role that politics plays in banding today. Iwan reflects on the changing landscape, from funding battles to the influence of popular culture, and Tredegar Town Band’s involvement in the film Pride. He also highlights the ongoing political power that bands can wield when they engage effectively with their communities and policymakers.

We also hear from Hannah Beach, a young trustee of Brass Bands England, who offers a fresh perspective on how brass bands have maintained their resilience through eras of political change, and how they can continue to thrive by embracing their community roots.

Packed with expert insights, rare archival finds, and thought-provoking conversations, this episode paints a vivid picture of brass bands’ political past and their fight for a sustainable future.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast.

To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.

Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)

Episode Guests:

• David Hirst (formerly of Black Dyke Band)
• Iwan Fox (historian and journalist, editor at 4BarsRest.com, Tredegar Town Band)
• Hannah Beech (Trustee, Brass Bands England)

Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):

• B.B. & C.F. (James Ord Hume), Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal) Band, from The History of Brass Band Music: The Early Years

Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann

From the pioneering days of Fred Mortimer to the public prominence of his son Harry, the Mortimers have defined and redefined the standards of brass band performance, conducting, and competition.

Through a combination of historical anecdotes, exclusive interviews, and expert insights, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston explore how the Mortimers shaped the Foden’s band into a powerhouse, raised the profile of brass bands in the public eye, left their mark on brass band contesting and set the benchmark for musical excellence. Discover the story of Fred Mortimer’s early days as a conductor and his sons’ — Harry, Alex and Rex — rise to fame, cementing their position as one of the most influential families in brass band history.

Kenny pays a visit to the historic Foden’s Band Room, where he meets the legendary Jimmie Charles, who reminisces about his time with the band and the profound impact the Mortimers had on its success.

Kenny catches up with Phillip McCann, one of the finest cornet players of our time, who reflects on his personal encounters with Harry Mortimer and how Harry’s unique approach influenced generations of players and conductors. Phillip shares his memories of playing with the iconic Men o’ Brass, unique experiences at Belle Vue, and his own performances of the famous solo ‘Alpine Echoes’ on an Echo Cornet.

Later, Kenny also sits down with Martin Mortimer, Harry’s son, who shares intimate stories about his father’s legacy, growing up surrounded by and touring with brass bands, and the continuing influence of the Mortimer family on the brass band scene. He discusses the challenges of modernising and managing public perception of banding, and the family’s continued and deep-rooted connection to the British Open Brass Band Championships. Martin’s reflections provide a unique glimpse into the personal side of the Mortimers and their enduring impact on brass band culture.

With rare archival items, fascinating insights, and stories from those who knew them best, this episode paints a vivid picture of a family that helped shape the brass band world as we know it. Tune in to discover the lasting influence of brass band royalty, their contributions to music and culture, and the heritage they left behind that still resonates today.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast.

To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.

Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)

Episode Guests:

• Jimmie Charles
• Phillip McCann
• Martin Mortimer

Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):

• Kenilworth (Sir Arthur Bliss), Fodens Courtois Band, Centenary Brass
• ‘Alpine Echoes’ from Phillip McCann salutes Harry Mortimer (Basil Windsor), Phillip McCann with Britannia Building Society Foden Band, The National Brass Band Festival 1988

Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann