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!
******* NEWS NEWS NEWS *******
“As one chapter ends, another begins" ….. and that has been so true for Heathfield Silver Band (HSB) over the past couple of weeks.
We were very saddened to hear that our Musical Director David Bowerman wanted to hang up the baton with HSB at the end of the summer season. We have enjoyed a really good couple of years with David encouraging all to play to their potential and harnessing an atmosphere in rehearsals that has seen the band flourish! We all thank David for the enthusiasm and the effort he has applied in this post and we wish him well in whatever avenue he pursues with his musical career. (But we really want David to play trombone with us after a short break he has promised himself).
Finding a new musical director is a very daunting task but we have been SO fortunate in that John Playford ATCL (one of our terrific front row cornets) has stood forward to be the new Musical Director.
And when you look at John’s resume, you can understand just how excited we are about the future.
A Ringmer boy, John has played since the age of 12, quickly establishing himself as the Principal Cornet player at school and then Uckfield Concert Brass.
A distinguished HM Royal Marines Band Service followed, where John played in venues such as Royal Albert Hall & Wembley Stadium, along with BBC TV recordings.
On leaving the Royal Marines, John played Cornet for Canterbury and then Principal Cornet for Birchington Silver Band and Hand Cross Band, whilst at the same time becoming Musical Director for Copthorne Silver Band!
For 25 years John was then a private brass teacher in schools throughout East & West Sussex and a freelance trumpet player in orchestral concerts, featuring as the soloist in Haydn and Hummel concertos.
John retired for a few years but came out of retirement to play Cornet with HSB and what at impact he had! And now, he is going to use all that experience to take us to the next level!
Welcome John
********* Wanted - Front Row Cornets @ Heathfield Silver Band *********
With the promotion of John Playford from our front row to Musical Director at the end of the summer season, we are looking to recruit at least one front row cornet to our flourishing non-contesting band.
We meet every Tuesday evening at our own band room in Heathfield and have a great time entertaining at different engagements throughout the year.
We would love to hear from you if you are available (whether Heathfield will be your main or second band - as we appreciate many now play for more than one band)! Be part of a band on the up ….
Get in Touch
The Bandroom, Alexandra Rd, Heathfield TN21 8EA, UK
01435 817201
