New Brass Band Archive Exhibition at National Coal Mining Museum

2 min read

New Exhibit Highlights Link Between Brass Bands and Coal Mining History

Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield can now explore a unique collection from the Brass Band Archive which showcases the entwined history between the mining industry and brass bands.

Celebrating the Brass Band's Coal Mining Heritage

Located on the site of a former colliery, the National Coal Mining Museum is known for its extensive permanent collection that explores the rich history of coal mining through a variety of objects, images, and artworks. As part of an exciting 2025 refresh, the museum has introduced a display featuring items from the Brass Bands Archive, expanding its offerings to include the cultural and historical significance of brass bands within the mining community.

A Treasure Trove of Banding History

The exhibition, described by BBE Archivist Danielle Spargo as "small but mighty," features 14 carefully chosen items from the Brass Bands Archive, all related to mining.

Danielle commented:

“We have some really fascinating treasures in there relating to banding and mining and it’s great to see them in-context here at the Museum. I’m excited that visitors will have the chance to discover more about banding’s links to mining, and I hope that banders will also enjoy the opportunity to see some of the historic collection in-person.”

Highlights from the Display

Among the featured items are:

Memorabilia from St Hilda Colliery Band’s 1931 tour to Canada.
Music dedicated to miners across the British Isles.
Colourful programmes from past Mineworkers Contests.
An armband commemorating Wingates Band and the Pretoria Pit Disaster.

Each artifact offers a unique perspective on the vibrant brass banding culture that flourished in mining communities.

Bringing History to Life

To help visitors delve deeper, QR codes are placed alongside the artifacts, directing them to blog posts by the Brass Bands Archive team. For those unable to visit in person, a selection of items is also available to view digitally via the Brass Bands Archive Instagram page.

Plan Your Visit

The brass band display will remain at the museum until the end of 2025. Entry to the museum and exhibition is free, but visitors are encouraged to check opening times on the National Coal Mining Museum’s website.

For more details on the Brass Bands Archive, visit brassbandsarchive.com.