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 – First Contest Success at Gillingham
In 1930, the Band competed in its first contest as the Southampton Albion Silver Band, travelling to Gillingham, Dorset, for the Wessex Association Contest. The occasion brought immediate success, with the Band winning the ‘B’ Section. This victory marked the…
1933 – Double ‘A’ Section Contest Success
1933 proved to be an outstanding year for the Band’s contesting success. Competing in the ‘A’ Section, the Southampton Albion Silver Band won both the Winter Contest and the Summer Contest. These victories demonstrated how far the Band had progressed…
1936 – Albion Wins the Championship of Wessex
In 1936, the Southampton Albion Silver Band achieved one of the major contest successes of its pre-war years by winning the Championship of Wessex. By this time the Band had developed considerably from its early contesting days. After winning the…
1937 – Albion Musicians Triumph at Amesbury
In 1937, members of the Southampton Albion Silver Band enjoyed considerable success at Amesbury, demonstrating that the Band's growing reputation was not limited to full-band competitions. Albion musicians competed successfully in solo and small-ensemble events, gaining a number of prizes…
1938 – Further Contest Success for Albion
In 1938, the Southampton Albion Silver Band continued the strong contesting record it had established throughout the 1930s. At the Wessex Summer Contest at Amesbury, Albion won the Deep Harmony Challenge Cup and was awarded third prize in the Open…
1946 – Contesting Resumes After the War
In 1946, the Southampton Albion Silver Band resumed its contesting activities following the disruption of the Second World War. The Band travelled to Salisbury, where it was among the prize winners. Bill Barnes recalled that Albion was beaten on this…
1951 – Albion Musicians Sweep the Board at Tadley
In March 1951, musicians from the Southampton Albion Silver Band enjoyed an outstanding day of success at competitions held at Tadley. A Septet representing the Band won first prize, while the Trombone Quartet also won its section. Individual honours followed,…
1955 – Historic Double Victory at Brighton
In July 1955, the Southampton Albion Silver Band achieved one of the most remarkable contest successes in its history, winning both the Second and Third Sections at the same contest at Brighton. Bill Barnes recalled this as a record that…
1962 – Albion Starts its Annual Solo & Quartet Contest
In 1962, the Southampton Albion Silver Band established its own inter-Band Solo and Quartet Contest, giving members the opportunity to compete against one another in a friendly musical competition. The contest became an annual event and was usually well attended.…
1965 – Albion Wins the Southern Counties Area Championship
In 1965, the Southampton Albion Silver Band achieved one of the most important contest successes in its history when it won the Second Section of the Southern Counties Area Championship at Hammersmith Town Hall, London. Conducted by Mr Courtney Bosanko,…
1966 – Albion Wins the Wessex March Cup
In December 1966, the Southampton Albion Silver Band enjoyed further contest success when it convincingly won the March Cup at the Wessex Contest. The Band was now under the direction of Mr Courtney Bosanko, following its major Second Section Area…
1971 – Championship Section Success at the Wessex Contest
In 1971, the Southampton Albion Silver Band achieved another notable contest success when it competed in the Championship Section of the Wessex Contest at Southampton Sports Centre. Albion won first prize, demonstrating the high standard the Band had reached following…
1974 – Silver Medal at the World Music Contest, Kerkrade
In July 1974, the Southampton Albion Silver Band travelled overseas to compete in the prestigious World Music Contest at Kerkrade in the Netherlands, the Band's first venture into a continental competition. Members agreed to pay their own expenses for the…
1990 – Wessex Fourth Section Victory at Poole
In 1990, the City of Southampton (Albion) Band enjoyed an important return to contest success when it won the Wessex Fourth Section Contest at Poole under Musical Director Peter Hyland. The victory came during a period of rebuilding for the…
📷 Band Photo Archive
