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About Alder Valley
Brass

Alder Valley Brass is one of the South East's finest brass bands, and provides music to enhance any occasion.

For more than 60 years Alder Valley Brass has performed at venues ranging from London's Royal Albert Hall, Windsor Castle, Epsom race course and Hampton Court Palace, to many of the UK's famous parks & bandstands. More recently, Alder Valley Brass were approached to provide a brass ensemble for the film ‘The Dig’ starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, which topped the viewing charts when it was released on Netflix.

Much of the band's concert work is in support of local charities and there have been proud moments working with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, charities selected by the Mayor of Rushmoor at concerts, as well as The SSAFA and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

Please find a link to a copy of the latest Alder Valley Brass Newsletter March 2022 Newsletter here.

  • Players required

    After recent contest success under MD David Hatton, we are looking to strengthen our ranks, so have immediate vacancies for committed Cornets (front or back row, postion negotiable) and BBb bass.

    We have a variety of concerts next year and are currently planning a trip to Belgium and Holland in May. If you are interested please get in touch in the first instance with David Hatton our Musical Director.

  • Support Alder Valley Brass

    Alder Valley Brass is a registered charity (Number 1155512) and relies on public donations of which we also raise fund for local and national charities. Alder Valley Brass rely on public donations though concerts and public appearances and please feel free to use our Easy Fundraising Site or donate via our Paypal site.

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  • Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Farnham, Surrey

    Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Farnham, Surrey

    The parade and Band assembled in Castle Street and processed to the War Memorial in Gostrey Meadow. Taking part were, Councillor Alan Earwaker, the Mayor of Farnham. Mr Davey Watters, Farnham Royal British Legion Chairman, Councillor John Ward,

    The Deputy Mayor of Waverley. Brigadier Roger Hood QVRM TD DL. Revd H David Uffindell, Rector of Farnham. Last Post and Reveille were played by Mr Steve Burgess, Principal Cornet player for Alder Valley Brass.
    ‘We will remember them’.

  • Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert

    Armistice Day, Fareham

    Steve Burgess, Principal Cornet, played Last Post for the Royal British Legion service on Armistice Day at the Farnham Cenotaph.

  • Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert

    Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert

    The Aldershot Garrison Remembrance Concert was held at St Andrews Garrison Church in Aldershot. Alder Valley Brass played a varied programme of music under the direction of their MD David Hatton.

  • National Brass Band 2nd Section Finals in Cheltenham

    National Brass Band 2nd Section Finals in Cheltenham

    Some happy members of Alder Valley Brass celebrating their 2nd place out of 19 bands at the National Brass Band 2nd Section Finals in Cheltenham.

  • Godalming Bandstand

    Godalming Bandstand

    Alder Valley Brass played in Philips Memorial Park, Godalming on the first Sunday in September for the The Poulter Family Concert. It was the last summer venue for the band, and what a lovely afternoon it was, with a very large audience.

  • Emsworth Horticultural Show

    Emsworth Horticultural Show

    The weather was indeed perfect for the Emsworth Horticultural Show. Hundreds of people turned up which created a great atmosphere. Alder Valley Brass played two sessions in front of the large crowd.

  • Alton Public Gardens

    Alton Public Gardens

    After some really poor weather the people of Alton and surrounding areas came along to listen to the concert in the Alton Public Gardens.

  • Bourne Show 2023

    Bourne Show

    At the beginning of July Bourne Show took place. Alder Valley Brass played a selection of music to a huge crowd. The weather was kind and it was a great afternoon.

  • Two members marry

    Two Members Marry

    At the beginning of July two members of the band, Donna Saunders (Flugel Horn) and Steve Burgess (Principal Cornet) got married. Alder Valley Brass were all invited and enjoyed the great occasion at the Hogs Back Hotel near Farnham.

    A small number of musicians played during the service and the whole Band played music at the reception. We all wish Mr and Mrs Burgess the best of everything for their future life together.

  • Watercress Line

    Watercress Line

    What a brilliant day the band had today performing at the The Watercress Line's special Coronation event! The sun shone and the crowds flocked.

  • AGM

    AGM in April

    The Band had its annual general meeting in April, the committee was proud to award the 'Band Person of the Year' award to flugel Donna Saunders. MD David Hatton also presented the 'Musician of the Year, trophy to our principal horn player Liz McGrath.

  • 2nd Section London & South Counties Champions

    2nd Section London & South Counties Champions

    AVB competed in the 2nd section areas in Stevenage playing Rodney Newton's "Pilgrim's Progress". Against a field of 17 bands AVB placed first with additional accolades for best MD and best trombone section.

  • Christmas Concert 2022

    Christmas Concert 2022

    At the end of December AVB had it's annual Christmas concert, performing a mixed set alongside Guildford Vox Community Choir.

  • Concert on Woking Bandstand

    Concert on Woking Bandstand

    Concert on Woking Bandstand; The band started it’s summer season with a concert on Woking Bandstand.

  • Concert with the Tintwistle Band

    Tintwistle Band Concert

    Joint Concert with the Tintwistle Band; The band were invited by a Peter Haigh, a Vice Present and former member of Alder Valley Brass, to join Tintwistle Band for a concert.

  • Whit Friday Marches

    Whit Friday Marches

    Whit Friday Marches, Saddleworth, Oldham; The band travelled to Greater Manchester to take part in the Whit Friday Marches.

  • Whit Friday Marches

    Whit Friday Marches

    Whit Friday Marches, Saddleworth, Oldham; The band came a creditable 14th out of the 61 bands that competed at Dobcross.

  • Queen's Platinum Jubilee Weekend

    Queen's Platinum Jubilee Weekend

    The band was represented at the Farnham Beacon Lighting Ceremony on 2nd June by cornet player, Sam Atherton. Sam played a special bugle call for the occasion, entitled 'Majesty'.

  • Band Person of the Year

    Band Person of the Year

    The Band Person of the Year is voted by the band members. Nominations included Steve Burgess (for his lock-down video recordings), Rob Greene (for his work towards our 60th anniversary concert), Lyn Sandford (for organising our carolling gigs) and Graeme Verroken (for his lock-down quizzes via Zoom for band members).

    The winner of the award was Steve Burgess. Steve also instigated the Facebook page ‘Bored Bandsmen’; which was set up during lockdown and now has a membership of over 13.7K people.

  • Musician of the Year

    Musician of the Year

    The Musician of the Year is awarded by the MD. This award was presented to Sam Hutson (3rd Cornet) for his attitude, application, hard work and commitment.

  • Farnham Christmas Market

    Farnham Christmas Market

    Farnham Christmas Market 2021, playing to a very large audience.

  • Redfields Garden Centre

    Redfields Garden Centre

    Christmas Carols at Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham.

  • Friday night at Wisley Glow

    Friday night at Wisley Glow

    Friday night at Wisley Glow. The music was enjoyed by the visitors while they queued at the entrance..

  • The first of many Christmas Carols being played in Farnborough

    Farnborough Town

    The first of many Christmas Carols being played in Farnborough Town Centre.

  • first band event of 2021

    Godalming Bandstand

    Cllr Michael Steel, Mayor of Godalming and Joy Poulter MBE attended the last Music in the Park Bandstand Concert of 2021 in Phillips Memorial Ground, Godalming.

  • Wey River Festival

    Wey River Festival

    The Wey River Festival. So much to see and do, both during the day and after dusk at the Illuminated Pagaent. Thousands turned up to watch the boats sail up to Dapdune Wharf from Guildford.

  • Pirbright Sea Themed Fête

    Pirbright Village Fête

    Pirbright Sea Themed Fête 2021, held on Pirbright Village Green. Plenty of stalls and lots going on in the arena. A great atmosphere in the centre of the village.

  • Emsworth Show

    The Emsworth Show

    What a great day out for the whole family! Emsworth Horticulture Show! If you missed it - A date for your diary next year - August 29th 2022.

Forthcoming appearances

The aim of the Alder Valley Brass is to be one of the region’s premier musical ensembles, sharing the unique spirit and beauty of British brass band music through:
  • Concerts of high musical and artistic quality given in a wide range of venues.
  • Educational and community outreach.
Here is a list of our confirmed forthcoming engagements for the remainder of the year:

  • Saturday 25th November, Carols at Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham. Fleet, Hampshire GU52 0AB. Times to be confirmed.
  • Sunday 2nd December 16.30-18.00. Petersfield Museum Carols in the courtyard. Tickets available from the museum. Petersfield Museum, St Peter’s Road, Petersfield GU32 3HX. This is the same day as Petersfield Christmas Market.
  • Sunday 10th December, Farnham Christmas Market Farnham, Surrey. Timings likely to be 12.15-13.00 and again at 13.45-14.30, tbc.
  • Sunday 3rd December. Redfields Garden Centre Carols, Church Crookham, Fleet. GU52 0AB. Times to be confirmed.
  • Thursday 14th December. 19.20-21.00. Aldershot Football Club Carol Concert at the Holy Trinity Church, Victoria Road, Aldershot GU11 1SJ.
  • Tuesday 19th December. The Meadows, Sandhurst GU47 0FD. Carols while shopping at the Meadows.
  • Saturday 23rd December. Carols at Farnham Town Football Club, Mead Road, Farnham GU9 7DY. Get tickets from the Football Club to come along and watch the match and listen to the band.




logoDuring the past few months of lockdown members of Alder Valley Brass have been rehearsing at home and now a video has been made, thanks to Steve Burgess. We hope you enjoy the result.
We look forward to seeing you later in the year when we are able to play once again out and about in the community.