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.
1933 – Mr. J. Williamson Becomes Bandmaster
In 1933, Mr. A. Halestrap retired as Bandmaster, bringing to an end an important period in the Band’s early development. He was succeeded by Mr. J. Williamson, who had previously been associated with the famous Besses o’ th’ Barn Band.…
1940 – Death of Bandmaster Mr. J. Williamson
In 1940, the Band suffered the loss of its Bandmaster, Mr. J. Williamson, who had taken over the musical leadership of the Southampton Albion Silver Band following the retirement of Mr. A. Halestrap in 1933. His death came during the…
1953 – Remembering Mr. A. Halestrap
On 22 September 1953, former Bandmaster Mr. A. Halestrap died at the age of 81. He had played an important part in the formative years of the Southampton Albion Silver Band and had led the Band until his retirement in…
1965 – Courtney Bosanko Becomes Musical Director
In 1965, Mr Courtney Bosanko became Musical Director of the Southampton Albion Silver Band, succeeding Mr Sydney Swancott. Bosanko was already familiar with the Band. During 1964, when Sydney Swancott was ill and the Band was preparing for a contest…
1976 – Ray Alberry Becomes Musical Director
In 1976, Mr Ray Alberry became Musical Director of Southampton Band, succeeding Mr Alec Wotton. Alberry joined the Band following a distinguished professional musical career as a Royal Marines Bandmaster, bringing considerable experience of military and concert band music to…
1980 – Bram Taylor Becomes Musical Director
In 1980, Mr Bram Taylor became Musical Director of the City of Southampton Band, continuing an association with the Band that stretched back many years. Bram was already a well-established Albion musician. Almost three decades earlier, in 1951, he had…
1993 – Nick Dawson Becomes Musical Director
n 1993, Nick Dawson became Musical Director of the City of Southampton (Albion) Band, beginning a long and important period in the Band's musical history. Remarkably, just six weeks after taking up the position, Nick led the Band on its…
📷 Band Photo Archive
