Musical Director

Alan Widdop
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.