The Bluebell Railway Band

 
Chairman: Chris Davis
Director of Music: Stuart Fifield, MMus, LRSM, LTCL

In association with the East Grinstead Concert Band
Founded 1974

The Band photographed at Sheffield Park in 2009.

The Band continues a long tradition of railway bands going back to the mid-Victorian era, among which was a band at the Brighton Works of the LBSCR. These were nearly always brass bands, at one time found in nearly every town and village in the country.

The Bluebell Railway Band is really a non-marching military band with a full complement of woodwind as well as brass. This enables them to play a wide variety of music including arrangements of the classics, jazz, show music, pop & rock tunes, and of course traditional marches, so there is something to please everyone! In addition to concerts through the year, the Band turns out for the December Carol Service at Horsted Keynes Station (above right), attended by a loco and a few hundred people, always a popular occasion. You are welcome to attend, but don't forget to wrap up well!

Any wind players of reasonable standard who would like to play in the Band should ring the contact number below for details.

The Bluebell Railway Band are seen here (right) playing at Sheffield Park in 2010 at the "Southern at War" 1940s weekend.

During the remainder of 2013 the band will be playing on the following dates:

• Sunday 12 May (Southern at War) at Sheffield Park Station (2.00-4.00pm)
• Saturday & Sunday 22-23 June (Edwardian Weekend) at Horsted Keynes Station (2.00-4.00pm)
• Saturday & Sunday 6-7 July (Food Festival) at Horsted Keynes Station (1.00-3.30pm)
• Saturday & Sunday 10-11 August (Vintage Weekend) at Horsted Keynes Station (2.00-4.00pm)

The band will also be playing for the Bluebell Railway Carol Service - Saturday 7th December, 7.30pm at Horsted Keynes Station - wrap up well!

The Band photographed (left) at their concert on 1st May 2004 at the Steam
Centre Maldegem in Belgium, which was followed by a concert in the Town
Square of Brugge, and a second concert for the steam railway.

The conductor in the Maldegem photo was Tony Corio, who played in army bands for 27 years, finishing with The Welsh Guards Band on the big bass drum and the oboe. After leaving the army he taught music in local schools and became Musical Director of The East Grinstead Concert Band from 1977 to 1997, later acting as a deputy conductor. He died on the 7th March 2007 after a long struggle with cancer.

The Bluebell Railway Band is a performing title of The East Grinstead Concert Band and associated groups. Please direct enquiries for information and bookings not associated with The Bluebell Railway to Gerry Harris by phone, 01342 716992 or e-mail.

Affiliated to Making Music, The National Federation of Music Societies.