The Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band was formed in 2009 from the amalgamation of two local bands, Broughton’s Brass Band (est 1971 as Blackhall Youth Band) and Hetton Silver Band (est 1887). After the merger, the Hetton Silver Band Hall was redundant, and it was taken brick by brick to Beamish Museum in County Durham where it was restored to its full glory. The band play annually for the Durham Miners’ Association and the “Marras” at the Durham Miners’ Gala and perform regularly in Durham Cathedral.
The band has a positive approach to introducing young players to playing and contesting through the band’s Youth Development program.
Having achieved recent success in local competition, such as the Picnic in the Park contest, The Festival of Brass Contest and the Beamish Museum March and Hymn tune contest, the band were thrilled to qualify for the National Finals with 1st places in both 2023 and 2024. The band will be promoted to the 1st section in 2025
