The Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band has been entertaining the community in and around Reading since 1899 and is considered to be the town’s oldest musical institution.

For more information, or if you would like to join the band, or book it for a concert or any other type of performance, please contact us.

Throughout its one hundred and twenty-three year history, the band has significantly contributed to the musical life of the town. As such, the band continues to actively work to engage musically with the Reading community. 

This has seen the band play a major role in community events; from services of remembrance and charitable concerts, particularly in support of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, to armed forces day and pride celebrations.

Reading as a town has a rich brass band heritage.  It was once home to the now defunct Reading Borough, Reading Excelsior, Reading Temperance and Reading National Union of Railwaymen band’s.

Further to this, Reading played host to a major annual competition in the brass band calendar with Reading Band Festival.  In its earliest form, the first brass band contest in Reading was held in 1897 and its last in Reading Town Hall in November 2001.

Today, the Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band is not the embodiment of a forgotten time and culture. It is a leading and vocal advocate for the value of music education, particularly through participation in brass band music making.

Through the presentation of public events, the band of today strives to challenge traditional perceptions of what a brass band is under the baton of their conductor Matthew Ruel and aims to attract new members and audiences which represent all members of the Reading community.

The public benefit surpasses the musical rewards that members achieve by aspiring to the highest standards of musicianship in their brass and percussion playing both as individuals and as a collective; to encompass the mental health, well being and cultural vitality of everyday community life in Reading.  

The Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band is a valuable community asset and serves to help keep brass band music making and the cultural heritage of Reading alive.