Over a Century of Music in Southampton
The story of City of Southampton (Albion) Band from 1920 to the present day.
Our Story
For more than a century, City of Southampton (Albion) Band has been part of the musical life of Southampton. Through changing times, generations of players have performed at concerts, civic occasions, community events, contests and celebrations both at home and abroad.
This archive tells the story of the band, the people who have shaped it, the places we have performed and the friendships created through music.
Explore Our History
Discover over a century of music, memories and milestones through the band’s story, photographs, tours and archive.
Our Timeline
Explore the major milestones in the band’s history from 1920 through to the present day.
Band Tours
Follow the band’s tours across Europe, including Germany, Portugal, Madeira and future adventures.
Photo Archive
Browse photographs showing over a century of concerts, contests, community events and memorable moments.
Archive & Memories
Discover historic programmes, newspaper cuttings, documents and memories shared by past and present members.
1930s – Supporting Southampton’s Unemployed
During the difficult years of the 1930s Depression, the Southampton Albion Silver Band used its music to support the local community. The Band took part in a special concert connected with the Mayor of Southampton's scheme to assist unemployed people…
1935 – Silver Jubilee Parade for King George V and Queen Mary
In 1935, the Southampton Albion Silver Band took part in Southampton's celebrations marking the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary. The Band participated in the Silver Jubilee Parade through Southampton, joining the city's wider programme of celebrations…
1953 – Coronation Celebrations in Southampton
In 1953, the Southampton Albion Silver Band took part in the celebrations marking the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Among the Band's engagements was a major parade through Southampton and up to Southampton Common. A Royal Marines Band was given…
1967 – Queen Mary’s Final Atlantic Crossing
In September 1967, the Southampton Albion Silver Band was given the great honour of welcoming the Queen Mary back to Southampton at the end of her final Atlantic crossing as a British passenger liner. Thousands of people gathered at the…
1968 – Farewell to the Queen Elizabeth
In November 1968, the Southampton Albion Silver Band played an important part in Southampton's farewell to another of the world's great ocean liners — the Queen Elizabeth. On 8 November, the Band assembled at the Ocean Terminal as the Queen…
1974 – Albion Takes Part in the Filming of Juggernaut
n 1974, members of the Southampton Albion Silver Band had the unusual experience of becoming involved in the world of cinema when the Band took part in the filming of the British thriller Juggernaut. The production used Southampton Docks as…
1976 – The Band Leads the Saints Home After FA Cup Glory
In 1976, Southampton Band took part in one of the most memorable celebrations in the city's sporting history when Southampton Football Club returned home after winning the FA Cup. The Band helped lead the Saints home through Southampton, joining the…
1979 – The Band Becomes the City of Southampton Band
In 1979, another important change took place in the Band's identity when Southampton City Council granted the Band the privilege of using the title “City of Southampton Band.” The honour formally recognised the Band's long-standing association with Southampton and the…
Freedom of the City
The Band was awarded Freedom of the City of Southampton, for its support of the City for the past century, and being great ambassadors of the City on Tours away from the City. The Band were invited to the Mayor…
📷 Band Photo Archive
