01435 817201
Making music for over one hundred years. Reg Charity no. 273068
Welcome to Heathfield Silver Band
Supporting our community through music since 1888.
Heathfield Silver Band is a lively, friendly, and inclusive brass band based in the heart of East Sussex. As a registered charity (No. 273068), our mission is simple: to promote the joy of brass music and provide accessible musical education to everyone in our community, regardless of age or ability.
Learn to Play… For Free!
With recent cuts to music education funding, many children and adults haven’t had the chance to experience the satisfaction of playing in an ensemble. We are proud to bridge that gap.
We offer local people the opportunity to learn a brass instrument with:
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Free Instrument Hire: No need to buy your own equipment.
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Free Tuition: Expert guidance for absolute beginners.
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A Path to Performance: Start in our Training Band and work your way up to the Main Band.
Whether you are an experienced player, returning to music after a long break, or picking up an instrument for the very first time, there is a seat waiting for you.
Our History: Over 135 Years of Music
The band was formed in Heathfield around 1888. Our journey has taken us from military service to becoming a cherished civilian institution:
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The Military Years: Around the turn of the century, the band served as the Heathfield detachment of the 2nd Royal Sussex Volunteer Corp. We entertained troops at annual camps in Lydd and played for morning reveille.
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The Turning Point: In 1901, the band returned to civilian life. By the 1920s, our popularity grew so much that a committee of local businessmen was formed to provide a professional footing. Our written archives—filled with fascinating minutes and accounts—date back to 1928.
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A Charitable Legacy: In 1977, we were granted Charitable Status, formalizing our commitment to teaching music to the local community.
Today, we honor that history by performing a wide range of music—from traditional military marches and "band classics" to modern pop, TV themes, and film scores.
Rehearsals & Location
We are fortunate to have our very own dedicated bandroom where we practice every Tuesday.
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Training Band: 6:45 PM – 7:15 PM (Perfect for lessons and skill-building)
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Main Band: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Find us at: The Bandroom
Alexandra Road, Heathfield,
East Sussex, TN21 8EA
Join the Band or Book Us for Your Event
The band remains a vital part of the local calendar, performing at fetes, concerts, and private bookings throughout the year. These engagements allow us to raise the funds necessary to keep our tuition and instrument hire free for all.
Interested in joining or hiring the band? We are a relaxed, multi-generational group and we would love to hear from you.
Contact our Secretary: secretary@heathfieldsilverband.com
Check out our events and blogs to stay up to date with everything happening in the band!
John Playford Musical Director
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John Playford ATCL is the new Musical Director of Heathfield Silver Band, where he previously played front row Cornet. Raised in Ringmer, he began playing brass at age 12, quickly becoming Principal Cornet at school and for Uckfield Concert Brass. He went on to serve a distinguished career in the HM Royal Marines Band Service, performing at venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium, as well as on BBC TV recordings. Following his military service, John played Cornet for Canterbury and served as Principal Cornet for both Birchington Silver Band and Hand Cross Band, while simultaneously taking on the role of Musical Director for Copthorne Silver Band. In addition to his band work, he spent 25 years as a private brass teacher across East and West Sussex and worked as a freelance orchestral trumpet soloist performing Haydn and Hummel concertos. After briefly retiring, he returned to playing with Heathfield Silver Band and now brings his extensive experience to lead the band as Musical Director.
F A Q
About Joining & Learning
Do I really get to learn for free? Yes! As a registered charity, one of our core aims is to provide musical education to the community. We provide both the tuition and the instrument hire free of charge.
What if I’ve never played an instrument before? You are exactly who we are looking for! Our Training Band is specifically designed for absolute beginners. We will help you choose an instrument and teach you the basics of reading music and playing in a group.
Is there an age limit? Not at all. We are a multi-generational band with members ranging from school-aged children to retirees. If you can hold the instrument and have the puff to blow into it, you’re welcome!
I used to play years ago—can I come back? Absolutely. Many of our members took a "short break" of 20 or 30 years before picking their instruments back up. Our Training Band is a great, low-pressure environment to brush up on your skills before moving into the Main Band.
Which instruments do you have? As a traditional silver band, we use a variety of brass instruments, including cornets, tenor horns, baritones, euphoniums, trombones, and tubas, as well as percussion.
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Rehearsals & Commitment
When and where do you meet? We meet every Tuesday at our own bandroom on Alexandra Road, Heathfield (TN21 8EA).
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Training Band: 6:45 PM – 7:15 PM
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Main Band: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
How often does the band perform? We are very active throughout the year! You’ll see us at local fetes, summer concerts, and regional events. We are especially busy during the Christmas season with carols and festive concerts.
Do I have to attend every rehearsal? While regular attendance helps the band sound its best and helps you progress faster, we understand that life, work, and school happen. We just ask that you keep us informed.
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Supporting the Band
How is the band funded? We rely on the fees from our public performances and private bookings, as well as the generous support of the community. These funds go directly toward maintaining our bandroom and providing free instruments and tuition.
Can I hire the band for an event? Yes! We are available for fetes, garden parties, weddings, and corporate events. Please email our Secretary at secretary@heathfieldsilverband.com for availability and rates.
Get in Touch
The Bandroom, Alexandra Rd, Heathfield TN21 8EA, UK
01435 817201
