The Town Band is comprised of about 30 regular brass players who live in Cranbrook and the surrounding areas.

The history of the Town band goes back to the 1920′s. It has enjoyed mixed fortunes over the years and the present band was re-formed in the 1960s. Since that time it has gradually grown in membership and the standard of playing has progressed steadily.

Current membership includes people of many different ages and professions.

Cranbrook Town Band is self supporting; it’s main income is obtained from concert performances throughout Kent & Sussex during the summer months. It does however take the time to support other organisations and has links with many charities, the British Legion and various churches. In addition the band does what it can to support music in schools and promote brass band music throughout the country.

Cranbrook Town Band's Training Band regularly perform in the main band's annual concert in aid of Demelza Hospice. The group which has around 13 members whose ages range between 9 to 60, meets from 6.30 to 7.30 on Thursday evening before the Main Band rehearses. The more proficient players then stay on for the Main Band rehearsal with the younger ones going home at the 9pm interval. The eventual aim of the Training Band is for its members to become a part of the Main Band but there is no pressure place upon anyone to do so. Training Band members either have their own instruments or can use one provided by Cranbrook Town Band.

The music used is bespoke and is arranged for each member by Ian Lanceley, the group's conductor. The idea is to challenge everyone without placing anyone in a position where it is so difficult as to be discouraging.

If you are, or know of, a beginner brass player who would benefit from playing in a Training or Beginners Band, please contact the Cranbrook Town Band Chairman, David Newsom on 07957681923 or david_newsom@hotmail.com.

Primary School pupils at Hawkhurst and the surrounding areas get the chance to learn a brass instrument provided by Cranbrook Town Band, with lessons provided during school time by Mrs Charlotte O'Neil and a Beginners band rehearsing on a Thursday night from 6.30 - 7.30 pm at Hawkhurst School. Adults from the main band are on hand to provide guidance and help where necessary.

The Beginners Band is an ideal opportunity to learn the basics of playing music together in a group. Players who progress will move on to the Training band when they have a good understanding of the basics of playing in a group.

If you are, or know of, a beginner brass player who would benefit from playing in a Training or Beginners Band, please contact the Cranbrook Town Band Chairman, David Newsom on 07957681923 or david_newsom@hotmail.com.