Formed by Frank Every (grandfather of scaba Vice President Norman Every) in 1931, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band is a friendly second-section band with an active social life. We remain a contesting band, but we try to limit our contest appearances to 3 per year, primarily the Regional Competition (Area) and contests organised by scaba (Southern Counties  Amateur Bands Association). We do additionally try to attend the Whit Walks events in Saddleworth every other year. In addition to contesting, the Band’s calendar includes several concerts, fetes and parades, including incorporating very successful live performing of The Snowman during their Christmas concerts in the last few years to sell out audiences. The Band is still active in it’s local community supporting both the Church and School which share the same name at regular events during the calendar year and still rehearse twice a week within the Primary School.

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Timeline

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2024 - Won the 2nd Section London and Southern Counties Area Championships, qualifying for the National Finals and promotion to the 1st Section in September under John Watts.​​

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2023 - The band return to the Whit Friday Marches after not attending since 2015. During an already busy engagement year the band also put on three concerts: Cats and Coronations in June, showcasing their Entertainment Contest repertoire as well as celebrating the Kings Coronation, and then bringing back The Snowman for two performances in December.

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2022 - The band bring back The Snowman in December for a SELL OUT performance!

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2020 - As the world was put in Lockdown due to Covid 19, members of the band played for the NHS on their doorsteps with countless other players across the country. The Band also did some recordings; each member recording themselves at home to a click track and this being put together and aired on social media.

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2019 - The Band, under the direction of John Watts premiers the Christmas showing of The Snowman in Wokingham at the Wokingham Baptist Church. This was such a success that the Band have continued to perform this every Christmas post Covid Lockdown increasing the showings to two.

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2018 - Qualified for the National Finals under John Watts.

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2016 - Qualified for the National Finals under Lee Woodward.

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2011 – We were the best 2nd section band at the Greenfield contest at the Whit Friday Marches.​

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2009 - Qualified for the National Finals in Harrogate with a 1st place finish at the Regional Heats and we were promoted to the Second Section. The Band also won best 3rd section band at the Diggle contest at the Whit Friday Marches under Lee Woodward.

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2007 - The Band introduced two new awards: Musician of the year (chosen by the Musical Director) and Bandsman of the year (Band members’ choice).

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2006 - the Band celebrated its 75th anniversary with a gala concert, new regalia and a formal association with Wokingham Town Council. The inaugural Mayor’s annual Charity Concert was held at Wokingham Theatre.

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2005 - Qualified for the National Finals in Harrogate under Bruce Gentry.​

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2004 - Founder member and our longest serving Musical Director (26 years), Alan Clacey, passed away in June, aged 88.  Alan was present from the very first meeting held in the St Sebastian Parish Hall on the 28th of August 1931, and he was our Bandmaster from 1953 to 1979.​​

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2000 - Qualified to play at the National Finals in The Royal Albert Hall under Bruce Gentry.

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1999 - Qualified to play at the National Finals in Nottingham and came 1st placed 4th Section band at the Greenfield contest ​at the Whit Friday Marches under Bruce Gentry.

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1975 - Ian Peake, a promising teenage member of the band on 1st Baritone was sadly killed in a motorcycle accident. A soloist contest (sponsored by Ian’s parents) was organised in his memory with the aim of encouraging young players to play in public. This competition continued through to 2003.

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1968 - The Band was promoted to the 3rd section. There were 33 players on the books.​​

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1967 - 1st place at the Reading contest and 2nd in the Area contest at Watford, qualifying for the Finals.

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1958 - Won 7 awards at contests: 3 Firsts, 2 Seconds, 1 Third and 1 Fourth under Alan Clacey.

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1948 - Achieved 1st place at the Oxford contest in June under Mr F. Hodges.

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​1945 - The Band reformed under Mr F. Hodges after the suspension ended.

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1942 - On the 17 of March, the committee agreed to put the Band into suspension with the current committee remaining in office. During this period of suspension, a small nucleus of members continued playing together.

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1932 - The first business meeting of the St Sebastian Parish Band was held in the Parish Hall on the 21 of September. The Vicar chaired the meeting with 17 members including Frank Every who became the first Bandmaster. This set a precedent since the incumbent vicar at St Sebastian’s Church remains the Band President as well. Subscriptions were set at 2d (2 old pence sterling) per week making the annual subscription 8s/8d (8 Shillings and 8 Pence).

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1931 - The Band’s very first meeting was held in the St Sebastian Parish Hall on the 28th of August in response to a request for anyone in the local area who was interested in forming a band to attend. During the meeting some instruments that had been purchased from the Chobham Band were allocated to those present and the St Sebastian Parish Band was formed.