We are completely self-funding! We raise money through concerts and other engagements, donations, general fundraising activities – and of course, Christmas carolling, a really important source of income for Bilton Silver's four bands. We really appreciate all your support throughout the year - if you would like to add a little to our virtual tin, you can do this online or by text.
Please donate and help your local community silver band!
By Text/SMS on your mobile phone:
- To donate £1, text BAND to 70201
- To donate £3, text BAND to 70331
- To donate £5, text BAND to 70970
- To donate £10, text BAND to 70191
The Bilton Silver Family
Bilton Silver embraces musicians from age 4 to 80, from complete beginners to experienced players, across 4 bands. The bands perform at many events throughout the year, from themed concerts, Remembrance Services and parades, to summer fetes, weddings, town and village celebrations, fundraising concerts for various organisations, Christmas tree lighting, street carolling and carol services.
Thanks to an amazing campaign during the COVID pandemic, we were able to purchase a ventilation system for the band room, which meant that we were able - at last - to meet together again once restrictions allowed, but we missed all our usual concerts and engagements in 2020, and much of 2021 - and, of course, the hugely important Christmas period where we usually make much of our income for the year, enabling us to continue our activities for the members, young and old, and for our audiences.
The bounce back has been gradual, but we have rebuilt our calendar of regular engagements, and have made exciting progress, with promotion to the Championship Section of the Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in 2024.
How You Can Help
Your donations will help to support us over the coming months.
Please donate and help your local community silver band.
Our "band family" consists of four bands: Mini-Brass, Training Band, Evolution Band and the Senior Band. Membership is free and instruments are provided, so we ensure the band is as inclusive as possible.
Meet Our Bands
Senior Band
Founded in 1893, Bilton Silver (Rugby) Band is a traditional contesting band, placed in the Championship Section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain (Midlands Area) from January 2024.
As well as contests, the band performs at many events throughout the year, both in the local area, and further afield.
Although the band is referred to as the “Senior Band” we have players of all ages, just like the other bands in the Bilton Silver family.
Our Musical Director is the hugely experienced Brad Turnbull, trombone player and former member of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army.
Evolution Band
Bilton Silver Evolution Band is another contesting band, competing in the 4th Section of the National Brass Band Championships. Evolution Band was formed in 2017, and is conducted by Jodie Fisher, who has played in all the Bilton Silver Bands, and was a member of the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain. Evolution Band consists of members of all ages but especially our developing younger players. This gives them a taste of playing in competitions and the level required. In fact, we are proud to say we have some of the youngest players in many of the competitions we enter.
Mini Brass and Training Band
We have both adult beginners and children of all ages in Mini Brass, a half-hour group making music together under the endless commitment and enthusiasm of Mrs Diane Fisher.
One night a week, the bandroom is host to the wonderful, crazy, inclusive, Training Band. "Witnessing Di take charge of a large number of excited children, teenagers, and adult learners all with brass instruments and somehow getting us to produce something that is pretty decent is a weekly miracle! Training band also builds the Bilton Band community.”
“I constantly receive comments from parents/grandparents etc. expressing their gratitude to Bilton Silver for what it does for the children of Bilton village and beyond. They are particularly surprised when told that there are no charges for membership... and that we can even supply an instrument free of charge. This is a team organisation and Training Band and Mini Brass are thriving. Many people give their time willingly and free of charge to encourage and give opportunity to so many young musicians.” Diane Fisher, Musical Director, Bilton Silver Training Band
Training band and mini-brass play together in the Bilton band room.
Our Band Mission Statement
Bilton Silver (Rugby) Band aims to provide high quality opportunities to play and listen to brass music, thereby perpetuating a century-plus tradition and sustaining our musical heritage. It seeks to provide inclusive opportunities to learn and perform and to strive for a sense of fulfilment across all ability levels in an overriding pursuit of excellence, whilst offering a service that fulfils the requests of the wider community.