Ilkeston Brass faces further fight for survival

A local brass band which has been facing a battle to survive over recent months and years, but has managed to do so, is now threatened once more after being told that members must vacate its current bandroom.

Ilkeston Brass – formed as the Stanton Ironworks band  in 1919, and known as that until 1978 – was close to folding in 2025 until it made a late call for new players and a new musical director, but having resolved those issues, it has now been given short notice to leave its current home as the building is no longer financially viable and is due to be demolished.

The band previously carried out rehearsals within Henly House, on Lows Lane in Stanton-by-Dale, before the area went under redevelopment as part of the former Stanton Ironworks, and whilst its facebook page shows its base as being on West End Drive in Ilkeston, Erewash Sound has been informed that the building the band has been asked to vacate is the former Pewit Golf Club House.

A statement said: “While finding somewhere to rehearse is relatively straightforward, finding a secure home for everything that makes a brass band possible is a much bigger challenge.

“Over many years, the band has built up a substantial library of music, a full set of percussion equipment, and a stock of instruments used to support new and returning players. Without suitable storage, we face the heartbreaking prospect of having to dispose of or sell assets that are vital to the future of the band.

“These instruments allow beginners to start learning without the expense of purchasing their own, and our percussion equipment and music library are essential for performances throughout the year. Losing them would have a significant impact on what we can offer the community.”

A call has now gone out to the community, appealing to both people and businesses of Ilkeston and the surrounding area to come forward with premises that could accommodate a weekly rehearsal and provide secure storage.

Band officials can be contacted via their website.