Forest of Dean Brass was formed in 1994 as a result of the amalgamation of Coleford Town Band and Yorkley Onward Band.  As a community band we pride ourselves in our involvement within our local area.  Not only do we have the band with rehearsals twice weekly, we run a bingo club every Monday night.  Also we run a "200 club" with weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual prizes ranging from £25 to £1000.   These extra activities help to raise cash to maintain the band hall in Yorkley and maintain our instruments.

Another fundraising event that may seem rather bizarre takes place each Friday night at our local, the Bailey Inn, Yorkley. We hold a meat raffle!  Yes, we have nine prizes each week, usually joints of beef, lamb, gammon, chickens, chops, etc.   This coincides with skittles matches with the Bailey teams always contributing as well as visiting teams from other pubs.  The shouting of the results is carried out by our loudest band member Roger (Itchy) Stratford - BBb bass.   Please call in and see us one Friday for an experience to remember.

We do not receive sponsorship of any kind so it is hard work, dedication and devotion from many people which keep things running smoothly.

With all of our players coming from the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas we are very lucky to have a varied and entertaining social life involving band members, their families and friends.  Not to mention friends from other local bands who often join in with our social activities.

When it comes to the very important aspect of music, we have a wonderfully committed musical director in Jackie Gwynne.  She is hardworking and always aims to bring out the best in every player.  We are fortunate that we have a faithful core to our band covering most of the corner positions.  Forest of Dean Brass are seeking to fill some vacancies, so if you or someone you know is looking for a great band and a great bunch of people to join then please click here to visit our website at Forest of Dean Brass for details, or email mail@fodbrass.co.uk

Forest of Dean Brass are a second section band in the West of England.

Practice takes place twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays  from 8pm - 9.30pm at the band room, Stag Hill, Yorkley.

Our Christmas Concert this year is at Lydney Town Hall on the 14th December

supported by Dick Brice, the "Voice of the Forest."

Back to top