Swanage Town Band is a friendly, relaxed, community concert band with about 40 members. We aim to promote the study, practice, and enjoyment of band music through education, public performances and other musical activities across Purbeck and the surrounding area of Dorset. The band encourages collaboration among musicians of all ages, abilities and backgrounds while also supporting local community events. We give public performances at Christmas, local events, and throughout the summer months on Swanage Bandstand.
With a range of brass and woodwind instruments, our current repertoire includes pop classics, medleys from films and shows, swing, Latin, jazz and light classical music.
We always welcome new members and whilst we do not hold auditions, you will need to be able to read music. We like to encourage young musicians. Over the years many young people have joined us to play during their school years, leaving only when they go off to university and often joining us again to play during their holiday breaks.
Our Musical Director is Johnathan Watkins M.A., who has been with the Band since January 2024. Alongside running his instrument tuning and repair business, he is a freelance player of the bassoon, piano and organ, performing solo recitals and playing in various local orchestras. For more information about John, visit his website at http://www.watkinsinstrumentrepair.co.uk/.
Come and Join Us
When and Where We Rehearse
If you live in or around Swanage and are interested in joining the Band or just sitting in on a rehearsal to see if it’s for you, please complete the Contact Us form. Please include your name, contact details, the instrument you play and your level of experience. We do not hold auditions, but you will need to be able to read music.
The Band rehearses every Wednesday evening during term-time from 7-8.30pm in Swanage Methodist Church. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, friendly, community band. Band members pay a subscription of £105 over 3 instalments throughout the year to cover the band’s annual costs. Band members who are in full-time education do not pay.
Events
When and Where We Play
Swanage Town Band performs every summer season on Swanage Bandstand, attracting crowds of up to, and sometimes exceeding, two hundred locals and holiday makers. While the concerts are free, we do usually pass around collection buckets for donations to the band expenses and our chosen charity. We also have an annual Winter concert and the very popular ‘Carols on the Bandstand’ at Christmas.
In recent years we have given donations to Swanage Food Bank, Herston Village Hall Rebuilding Fund, Purbeck Youth Music and Julia's House Children’s Hospice. This year we are collecting for Dementia Friendly Purbeck.
As well as our Bandstand concerts, we also support local events and charities by playing at fetes and other fund-raising events. For a small fee to cover our expenses, we can be booked for outdoor or indoor performances subject to availability of players and a space in the diary. If you’re interested in booking Swanage Town Band, please complete the Contact Us form and we will send you a quote and booking form.
UPCOMING Events
Sat 15 November @5.30 – 7.00pm St Mary’s Church, BH19 1HU - Lewis Manning Candles by the Sea
The Band will be playing from 5.30-6.00pm
Wed 3 December @ 7.30pm Methodist Church, BH19 2LZ - Christmas Concert
2025 – CAROLS
Wed 10 December @6.30pm Swanage Bandstand
OR
Wed 17 December @6.30pm Swanage Bandstand
The Band will play on the first date weather permitting. Otherwise, it will play on the second date
2026 - PROVISIONAL DATES
Sat 16 May @ 7pm Methodist Church, BH19 2LZ - Spring Concert
Sat 23 May @ 2.30 Swanage Bandstand - Pirate Festival
Town Band History
Records show there was a Town Band in Swanage as early as 1864, and there was still a Band in existence at the end of the 2nd World War. In 1995 it was re-formed by Eric Gosney and Eddie Wright, starting with just eight musicians. The Band met in the Town Hall until 2020. Over time the Band has grown to more than 40 members of all ages, most of whom are amateurs.
David Cook was the Musical Director of the Band for 17 years, retiring at the beginning of 2024. In January 2024 Dave was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Swanage Town Council for his leadership of the Band, and particularly his encouragement of musicians of all ages and abilities. At the same ceremony, the Band itself was presented with a Community Award for their contribution to the community through their live concerts and donations to charity.
The Town Band play on the historic Swanage Bandstand which was originally built in 1923. After falling into disrepair, the Bandstand was restored back to its original condition by the Friends of Swanage Bandstand in 2019. The Town Band are proud to play on the bandstand and be part of its long history.
Swanage Town Band circa.1864
Dave Cook and Bridget Burtwell with the Awards from Swanage Town Council
2025 marks 140 years since the opening of the Swanage Railway, which operated its first services on the 20th of May 1885, introducing public rail travel to the Isle of Purbeck. To mark the occasion, the heritage railway hosted a special ‘140th Anniversary’ day with invited dignitaries taking part in a special ceremony. Besides decorations, the event featured the Swanage Town Band playing to the public on the platforms of Swanage station.
GET IN TOUCH
For bookings, inquiries, or collaborations, feel free to reach out to us. We love connecting with band enthusiasts and creating memorable musical experiences.