Probably the oldest institution in the town, Newquay Band was founded in 1856 and has been entertaining residents and visitors to Newquay ever since.

Newquay Band at Bugle Band Contest 2010

Regatta days and Cornish wrestling contests in the early days were some of the band's engagements. Leading the procession of the lifeboat through the town on August Bank Holiday was a formidable task, starting in the morning and going throughout the day until the afternoon launch; this continued up to 1934.
The Newquay Band has a long history of entertaining Newquay's visitors, with records dating back to the 1800's. As Newquay's popularity with holidaymakers increased during the 1930's and with sponsorship from the Urban District Council, a full time Musical Director, Mr. Moyle, was appointed. During the 40's and 50's under Mr. Moyle's direction the Band became one of the top Bands in the county.

Local reorganization resulted in the loss of sponsorship and sadly the band could no longer afford a full time musical director and, combined with the retirement of older members, the band had a struggle to survive. However a training program for young people was formed and slowly but surely the band has improved, so that today they can provide a good balanced programme of modern and traditional music for the public's entertainment.
The band improved to such a level that in 2000 at the Hall for Cornwall they won the third section of the Truro contest with an own choice test piece, Othello. The band was competing in the third section, even though it is rated a fourth section band nationally.

The band is very pleased to have Linda Trethewey as musical director. Linda has been able to bring her years of knowledge to Newquay Band and under her baton they have given many successful concerts, including a varied programme of music, which have been very well received by audiences. The band is steadily growing in number and with everyone’s enthusiasm and commitment, as well as Linda’s expertise, they look forward to many more enjoyable Brass Banding years to come.

Since December 2007 Newquay Band has been wearing smart new navy blue jackets, abandoning the distinctive sky blue uniform after many years of use. Look out for the Band playing engagements around Newquay during 2010. (See the engagements page for more details of future performances.