Local newspaper articles of the 1920s and 1930s make regular reference to the Largo and District Silver Band. The band played an important role in village New Year celebrations at that time. Reports in the Courier in 1928 and again in 1930, for example, describe how the Silver Band paraded the streets of Lundin Links as well as Upper and Lower Largo playing a selection of tunes at several locations. The paper on both occasions said that this was "an old-time custom". However, it is unclear how long this tradition had been going on or indeed when it ceased. Do you know any more about the band?
The term 'silver band' is synonymous with 'brass band' and the vast majority of bands termed either 'brass' or 'silver' incorporate musicians playing both lacquered and silver-plated instruments. In the days when 'brass' instruments were not as costly as silver plated ones, the term 'silver band' implied a band that could afford the latter and thus were a more successful band. Now, however, the costs are similar and the distinction between brass and silver bands is generally not made.
The Largo Silver Band is mentioned in various newspaper reports throughout the inter-war years playing at various events, including the Montrave Garden Fete, Anstruther Gala Day and a 'Massed Bands Recital' to holidaymakers (alongside the bands of Leven, Buckhaven and Wellesley Colliery) in July 1934.
In October 1923, the band had toured the villages of Lundin Links, Upper Largo and Lower Largo - this time collecting in aid of the Redding Disaster Fund. This was one of Scotland's worst mining disasters in which 40 men perished at Redding near Falkirk. The 90th anniversary of this tragedy was recently marked with a ceremony.
The term 'silver band' is synonymous with 'brass band' and the vast majority of bands termed either 'brass' or 'silver' incorporate musicians playing both lacquered and silver-plated instruments. In the days when 'brass' instruments were not as costly as silver plated ones, the term 'silver band' implied a band that could afford the latter and thus were a more successful band. Now, however, the costs are similar and the distinction between brass and silver bands is generally not made.
The Largo Silver Band is mentioned in various newspaper reports throughout the inter-war years playing at various events, including the Montrave Garden Fete, Anstruther Gala Day and a 'Massed Bands Recital' to holidaymakers (alongside the bands of Leven, Buckhaven and Wellesley Colliery) in July 1934.
In October 1923, the band had toured the villages of Lundin Links, Upper Largo and Lower Largo - this time collecting in aid of the Redding Disaster Fund. This was one of Scotland's worst mining disasters in which 40 men perished at Redding near Falkirk. The 90th anniversary of this tragedy was recently marked with a ceremony.
RSS Feed
