2025 was our 25th Birthday!
"25 years of making excellent music, here's to another 25 years"
Our History
Wellington (Telford) Brass Band has its roots firmly planted in the proud musical heritage of Dawley and the wider Shropshire area.
Brass banding has a long and rich history across Britain, dating back to the early 19th century, when community, military, and industrial influences helped shape a uniquely British musical tradition. Shropshire has played its part in this story, with many bands forming across the county long before the creation of Telford. From village ensembles to works bands, these groups brought communities together through music, laying the foundations for today’s banding scene.
Within this tradition, Dawley Brass Band became a well-known and respected part of the local community, performing at events, contests, and civic occasions, and continuing the strong heritage of brass banding in the area.
Around 25 years ago, the band evolved into what is now Wellington (Telford) Brass Band. This was not simply a change of name, but a continuation of the same musical spirit, community focus, and commitment to brass banding that had defined Dawley.
That connection remains very much alive today. Several current members, Steve Smith, Rhian Thomas, Hazel Keir, Keith Cosby & Neil Armstrong, were part of Dawley Brass Band and form a living link between past and present.
Today, Wellington (Telford) Brass Band is a thriving and inclusive ensemble, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. While we continue to perform, compete, and grow, we remain proud of our heritage, rooted in Dawley and shaped by Shropshire’s rich banding history.
Timeline
Pre-1960s (Approx.)
Brass banding thrives across Shropshire, with numerous local, works, and community bands active throughout the county, forming the foundations of the region’s musical heritage.
Late 20th Century (1970's)
Dawley Brass Band becomes an established and respected local band, performing regularly at community events and contests.
Early 2000s (c. 2000–2001)
Dawley Brass Band evolves into Wellington (Telford) Brass Band, marking a new chapter while maintaining its musical roots and community focus.
2007
Pontins Brass Band Championships, Prestatyn Sands 2007, Third Section, Second Place
2008
Becomes National Champions (Section 3) at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, as shown on the band’s historic contest banner.
2000s–Present
Continued development as a community-focused brass band, welcoming players of all abilities and maintaining an active performance and contest schedule.
2024
Wellington (Telford) Brass Band’s most recent success came in March 2024 where the band placed 2nd overall in the 3rd section competition.The Band qualified for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain which took place at Cheltenham in 2024., continuing the band’s upward trajectory.
2025
In our 25th anniversary year, the band also celebrated promotion from the Third Section to the Second Section, an achievement that highlighted our musical growth and commitment.
2026
In March 2026, Wellington (Telford) Brass Band competed in the Second Section at the Midland Regional Championships, the band’s first contest with Musical Director David Nicholson, and also took part in its first ConsTest.
Today
A thriving band of around 35 members, rehearsing regularly and performing across the region, proudly continuing a legacy that stretches back through Dawley and the wider Shropshire brass band tradition.
We have an exciting 2026 please see our events page for further details.
Help Us Preserve Our History
We are always keen to learn more about our past and would love to build a richer picture of Dawley Brass Band. If you have any photographs, programmes, or memories of the band, please do get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you and, with your permission, share them as part of our history.
Thanking Wellington Town Council
Wellington (Telford) Brass Band are supported with sponsorship from Wellington Town Council. The Band supports the Council with engagements including Civic services, community fun days and Remembrance services.