Loughborough based, we are three friendly community wind bands welcoming players of all ages and abilities.

We have been meeting again since 12 September after meeting on Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic. Safety precautions are, of course, in place.

Maybe you have started or resumed playing a wind instrument during lockdown.  We have three bands, one of which is sure to be just what you are looking for. Why not contact us using the button at the bottom of the page and find out all you need to know!

We are very sad to have to announce that our founder and musical director, Judy Nicol, passed away on the 30th April after a long illness. Judy founded Charnwood Concert Bands over 25 years ago and was our main conductor, leading  many concerts and all our concert tours in Europe. For the last 40 or so years she has also been an inspirational music teacher to many grateful pupils in the Loughborough area, youngsters and adults alike, and is well known in local music circles. 
She will be greatly missed by very many musicians, as well as their families, and by the charity and community groups for whom she organised concerts to raise funds.
The bands will continue as legacy for Judy, the person who made music such fun for so many people.

+ + +  Tour to France and Belgium 2019  + + +

Members of CSWO and CCB experienced warm hospitality in France and Belgium on this their eighth tour. In addition to exceptionally well-attended concerts in De Panne and Cassel we spent a day in Ypres visiting some poignant reminders of WW1, performing in the market square and having the honour of taking part in The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Everyone found this ceremony a particularly moving and memorable part of the tour. Videos of some of our performances can be seen on YouTube and photos from the tour are in the gallery
 + + + Previous Band Tours + + +
We enjoyed a tour in Dublin in 2017, staying at Trinity College.  The orchestra performed in Christchurch Cathedral, Howth Church and Castletown House. We also had plenty of time for sightseeing including visits to the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol,  the book of Kells, and a boat trip on the River Liffey. More photos are in the gallery.
In 2015 players from CSWO and CCB took part in the Edinburgh Fringe. Click here to read an in-depth account of the visit which was organised by Rayburn Tours, and here for a summary by one of our members.

If you would like to have fun and enjoyment playing interesting music regularly, click on your choice of bands below, there’s sure to be one to match your abilities

Charnwood Symphonic Wind Orchestra (CSWO)

The CSWO performs for concerts, private engagements and special events.

Charnwood Concert Band (CCB)

The CCB performs mainly for bandstands, fetes and occasional concerts with the training band.

Charnwood Training Band

The Training Band, under the musical direction of  Penny Tolley and Sarah Brown is a safe haven for inexperienced players to find their feet musically.

“No Strings Attached”

A smaller group of players from the Symphonic Wind Orchestra will perform at private engagements on request.

Testimonials

Read what people have said about us here.

To join or to book one of the bands –