Welcome to the home of
Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Band

 

CROWNED REGIONAL BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS OF GREAT BRITAIN (SEC 3) 16th March 2025 & RUNNERS-UP OF THE NATIONAL BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS OF GREAT BRITAIN (SEC 3) – 14th SEPTEMBER 2025

🎺 Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band Strikes Silver at Nationals – Continuing a Remarkable Winning Streak 🎶

The Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band has once again made the local community beam with pride, securing a stunning second place at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2025, held earlier this month. This outstanding result crowns what has been an incredible two-year journey for the band, filled with silverware, promotion, and sheer determination.

From Revival to Remarkable – In a rare and inspiring feat, the band made their triumphant return to the contest stage in 2024 after years away, capturing first place at the London and Southern Counties Regional Finals in the 4th Section. That win secured them a place at the 2024 National Finals, where they went on to win the 4th Section National Championship, already earning promotion to the 3rd Section for 2025.

Not content with resting on their laurels, Betteshanger then returned to the regional stage in March 2025 and made it three consecutive contest wins, claiming 1st place in the 3rd Section of the London and Southern Counties Regionals. That victory once again earned them a ticket to the Nationals — this time in a tougher category — where they went head-to-head with the best bands in the country.

The Result? A Glorious Silver! 🥈 While narrowly missing out on the top spot, their second-place finish in the 3rd Section at the 2025 National Finals was a moment of immense pride for the band and their supporters.

“A tinge of disappointment is natural,” said the band’s spokesperson, “but when you step back and see the journey we’ve been on — promotion, four contests, four podium finishes — this result is nothing short of phenomenal.”

The band now proudly boasts an incredible contest record:

🏆 Regional Champions 2024 (4th Section)

🏆 National Champions 2024 (4th Section)

🏆 Regional Champions 2025 (3rd Section)

🥈 Nationals 2025 – 2nd Place (3rd Section)

Under the baton of Musical Director Mike West, the band strives for musical excellence, encouraged to perform to their best ability, providing the highest standard in both concerts and contests. All this could not have been achieved without the man out the front. Mike’s expertise in band training is second-to-none. The band is extremely appreciative of all Mike’s hard work and dedication. He goes above and beyond just being the band’s Musical Director, and his passion for striving for “only the best” has rubbed off on the players.

Individual Excellence Shines Bright – Among the standout moments from this year’s Nationals was Soprano Cornet player Nigel Bogue being awarded Best Instrumentalist of the contest — a prestigious and well-deserved recognition of his musical excellence.

Drama, Dedication, and Determination – In true Betteshanger fashion, the lead-up to this year’s Nationals was anything but smooth. The band was rocked when their 1st Baritone player, Phil, suffered a heart attack just one week before the contest. Ever the fighter, Phil remained committed — vowing from his hospital bed that he’d be back at rehearsals!

Then, in a twist of fate, Eb Bass player Paul suffered an allergic reaction during a key rehearsal, landing him in A&E and in a sling just days before contest day.

Despite the drama, the band held together, powered through, and delivered a breathtaking performance — a testament to their unity, resilience, and passion.

Upcoming Performances – Local audiences won’t have to wait long to hear Betteshanger in action:

🎶 Deal Memorial Bandstand Concert – Saturday 28th September, 2:30pm

🎶 Festival of Remembrance – Saturday 8th November, 7:00pm at St George’s Church, joined by the Military Wives Choir, Shorncliffe.

These events promise powerful performances from a band riding high on momentum and musical brilliance.

Looking Ahead – With continued growth, dedication, and a strong sense of community, the future is looking very bright for the Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band. From their mining heritage roots to national recognition, they remain a shining example of what passion and perseverance can achieve.

Congratulations, Betteshanger — the community is proud of every note, every rehearsal, and every hard-earned trophy. Here’s to more music, more memories, and more magic! 🎶

We would like to say a special thank our Sponsor, Leigh McKinney “Eclipse Instruments” for believing in us and for his ongoing support and valued sponsorship. Leigh has provided the band with new dress shirts and a promise of a few new Eclipse instruments this year.

The Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band, based in Deal, Kent, has firmly established itself as one of the most promising and dynamic ensembles in the region. Known for our friendly and ambitious spirit, we are a forward-thinking band with a growing reputation for excellence. Our recent achievements speak for themselves.