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.
1930 – Albion Appears in Barbed Wire at the Palace Theatre
In March 1930, the Southampton Albion Silver Band undertook a week's engagement at Southampton's Palace Theatre, appearing in a production called Barbed Wire. Set during the First World War, the production presented the Albion musicians as a full ex-Guards Band,…
1930s – Albion Plays Southampton’s Theatres
During the early 1930s, the Southampton Albion Silver Band became increasingly involved in the entertainment life of Southampton, including engagements at some of the city's popular theatres. Bill Barnes recalled the Band playing at both the Palace Theatre and the…
1936 – A Week at Weymouth Bandstand
In 1936, the Southampton Albion Silver Band spent a week in Weymouth, where the Band performed on the Bandstand twice each day. It was an unusual and memorable engagement that took the Band away from Southampton for an entire week.…
Late 1930s – The “Big Ben Brass Band” at the Palace Theatre
In the late 1930s, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, the Southampton Albion Silver Band returned to Southampton's old Palace Theatre for another unusual theatrical engagement. The Band appeared for a full week in a production depicting…
📷 Band Photo Archive
