History

History of the Band

Lyme Regis Town Band was re-formed in 1981 after a lapse of thirty years and supported by a donation from the making of ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ filmed in Lyme Regis during that year. Local businessman Chris Chapman was a driving force in setting up the band and local publican Joe O\’Donnell was appointed its first Musical Director. He was succeeded in 1985 by the late Pat Perry, who led the band until his retirement in 2005. Under his leadership, the band established itself as an integral part of the town’s community and social activities. From the original fourteen members, it has grown to a full concert entertainment band of over thirty.

The main work of the band is in the summer months when it plays regularly to entertain both holidaymakers and locals. The most popular location is on Marine Parade Lyme Regis, where each Tuesday evening from the beginning of July until the end of August, the band presents a series of concerts aptly entitled “Music by the Sea”. Over the years, these have proved extremely popular, often attracting several hundred listeners on fine evenings. During this period, the band also gives several Sunday afternoon concerts in the same location.

The band is an integral part of the local community and is pleased to support other local organisations throughout the year, such as the Regatta and Carnival Committees, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the British Legion, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis and local schools. However, a glance at our Engagements page will clearly show that the band’s engagements are not confined to Lyme Regis alone.

We enjoy an excellent reputation as a concert entertainment band, our players being capable of performing a wide range of music to a high standard and we are fortunate enough to have several accomplished soloists within our ranks.

---