Farnworth & Walkden Band are a friendly North-West band graded 4th Section. Throughout the year we are busy with many concerts and contests. We rehearse on Monday and Wednesday between 8:00PM-9:45PM in our own purpose built
Bandroom (map link).
FARNWORTH BAND had its origins in 1848 and WALKDEN BAND can trace its origins from around the 1850's. The Walkden and Eatons Farnworth bands merged in 2005, firstly to become Eaton Farnworth and Walkden Band and later becoming Farnworth & Walkden Band with the closure of the Eatons Transmissions factory in 2007.
Contest Table Farnworth & Walkden Band
14th June 2026
New MusicalDirector
The Farnworth and Walkden Band are delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Widdop as our new Musical Director. Alan brings with him a wealth of experience as a professional trombonist, highly respected conductor, band trainer and adjudicator. We are excited to begin this new chapter together and look forward to building on the band's recent successes as we continue to develop both on the concert and contest stage.
Alan studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music. He started his professional trombone playing career in Kent before seeing the light and returning back to the North to join The Black Dyke Mills Band under the renowned musical directors of Dr Roy Newsome, Geoffrey Brand and Major Peter Parkes.
After leaving Black Dyke he joined the James Shepherd Versatile Brass where he performed international tours, television appearances, CD recordings and concerts throughout the UK. He later returned to professional freelance playing and teaching, performing with many leading artists including Matt Monro.
Alan then turned to conducting and became involved with The Marsden Band who he had for 12years taking them from the 3rd to Championship Section. He has since enjoyed similarly successful spells with Uppermill Band, Diggle Band, Whitworth Vale & Healey Band and, most recently, Lindley Band, where he played a pivotal role in raising the band's profile and achieving notable contest results.
Alan has already made an immediate impact with Farnworth and Walkden Band, leading the band to victory in the Fourth Section at the Red Admiral March Contest shortly after taking up the baton.
Everyone at Farnworth and Walkden Band is thrilled to welcome Alan to the organisation. His passion, experience and proven track record make him the ideal person to lead the band into an exciting new, ambitious era.
WANTED! Front row cornets are required to join an enthusiastic and friendly North West 4th Section band. We pride ourselves on supporting young talent to progress. Rehearsals Monday and Wednesday 8:00pm - 9:45pm
Contact Band Secretary Katrina Newcombe
Email: katrinansteve@hotmail.com
Mobile. 07519 880974
| Date | Name & Info | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 1st March 2026 | North West Regional Championships | T.B.C. |
| Sun 26st April 2026 | FleetwoodContest | meet 8:45am |
| Sun 10th May 2026 | Victoria Park | Cancelled |
| Sat 23rd May 2026 | Queens Park | 12:15pm - 3:30pm |
| Sat 30th May 2026 | Parr Fold Park | afternoon t.b.c. |
| Sun 14th June 2026 | St Georges Church | 18:30 - 22:00 |
| Sun 5th July 2026 | Red Admiral March Contest | t.b.c. |
| Sun 19th July 2026 | Victoria Park | 2pm - 4pm |
| Sat 22nd Aug 2026 | Peel Park | t.b.c. |
| B/H Mon 31th Aug 2026 | Bolton Steam Museum | t.b.c. |
| Sun 27th Sept 2026 | Red Admiral Entertainment Contest | t.b.c. |
| Sat 10th October 2026 | Peel Park | t.b.c. |
| Sat 24th October 2026 | Rochdale Contest | t.b.c. |
| Sun 8th Nov 2026 | Remembrance March | 9:00am start |
| Wed 18th Nov 2026 | St Peters Church | t.b.c. |
| Fri 20th Nov 2026 | Harwood Methodist | t.b.c. |
| Sat 5th Dec 2026 | Ainsworth Church | 6:15pm for 7:00pm start |
| Sun 6th Dec 2026 | Walkden Methodist | t.b.c. |
| Sun 13th Dec | Trafford Centre | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Wed 16th Dec | Trafford Centre | 6:00pm - 10:00pm |
| Sat 19th Dec | Trinity Church | t.b.c. |