1893
Formation
Jackfield was formed as a fife and drum band.
Initially conducted by Homer Wase
1895
Brass band
The band converted to brass.
1898
New Conductor
George W. Aston
Appointed Bandmaster; was paid 12 guineas per year.
Under his guidance the band began winning prizes.
1906
Jackfield Prize Band
The name changed to Jackfield Prize Band.
1918-25
Changes
Following the Great War George Aston steps down.
A number of conductors were involved with the band one of whom was Jack Wylde who conducted at contests in 1921 and 1923.
1923
Jackfield Silver Band
A full set of silver-plated instruments was purchased.
1925
Long Serving Conductor
William Ellis, took over the baton and to date has been the longest serving conductor.
He retired in the mid-60s and died in 1969 in his 80th year.
1954
Bake House
What was the old bake houe in Jackfield is bought by the band for £80 with a further £8 spent to install elecetricity.
1965
Hudson Brothers
The 5 Hudson brothers played for many years in the band, with Cecil Hudson conducting the band until the start of the 70's.
1970s
Rebuilding
Under Phil Petford, the band like Telford began to rebuild and player numbers that had been as low as 5 steadily began to rise.
1980s
A successful period
Under Musical Director Wayne Ruston, the band progressed from the Fourth Section to the First Section and represented the Midlands at the National Championships on four occasions.
1985
School Room
The band moves from the Bake House, which we sold, into the Methodist School Room just under the old railway bridge.
1992
Mellingen
The band begin a long standing twinning with the Swiss Band Stadtmusik Mellingen following a player from their band Thomas Hitz joins the band during work placement.
During the August Bank Holiday the band headed to Mellingen for a weekend of concerts and forging friendships
1993
Centenary Year
In the bands centenary year, Stadtmusik Mellingen come to Ironbridge to help us celebrate.
1996
Partnerships
Saw the band looking for a new conductor with a number of individuals taking the helm including Steve Gittins, Steve Bailey before finally Chris Lewis takes up the challenge.
Chris would partner up with a number of big name conductors including John Maines, Ian Dickinson and Ian Viney to share both concert and contest duties.
1997
Mellingen - Jackfield
The band head to Mellingen in new uniforms.
1999
Chapel Rehearsals
Following a number of years restoration the band move into the Old Methodist Chapel.
Mellingen return to lend support in our celebration.
2001
Jackfield - Mellingen
We head to Mellingen for music.
2003
Championship Section
Jackfield was promoted to the Championship Section for the first time.
Mellingen visit Jackfield.
2005
Jackfield - Mellingen
We head to Mellingen for music making weekend.
2007
Mellingen - Jackfield
Our friends join us in a weekend of music making.
2008
Wonder Years
Simon Platford begins a period of success, stability and growth seeing the band thrive under his conductorship.
2010
Triple Success
First sections wins at Butlins, the last ever Pontins and Leicester contests see the trophy cabinet bulge with trophies.
We help Stadtmusik Mellingen celebrate a 150 years of banding in a magical concert in Mellingen
2012
Mellingen - Jackfield
Mellingen enjoy a concert in Maws Craft Centre and take a trip on Llangollen Canel.
2014
Jackfield - Mellingen
We head to Mellingen for a music making weekend.
2015–16
Regional success
Back to Back Midlands Area First Section successes and invitation to the Spring Festival.
John Ward and Nigel Seamen help lead the band at Spring Festival and Regional Championship contests and Capt Shane O'Neil helps conduct. the band during a busy work spell for Simon.
2018
A new chapter
In the band's 125th year, Simon Platford stepped down and David Maplestone took over.
Mellingen - Jackfield visit and help Simon sign off in style at a farewell concert.
2023
New Musical Director
Ryan Richards became Musical Director; Simon Platford also worked with the band and Ian Porthouse from Tredegar Band helps bring an experienced ear to the band room.
2024
National Championship success
3rd place at the National First Section Championship — an important milestone in the band's history.
2025
A new chapter
Ryan Richards departed; Simon Platford subsequently stepped back because of work commitments. The band began a new chapter in finding its next Musical Director.
Dec 2025
Craig Stevens appointed Musical Director
Craig Stevens was appointed Musical Director and led the band at the Christmas Concert.
2026
First Section
Jackfield continues in the First Section, with Craig Stevens as MD. The band placed 5th at the 2026 Midlands Area gaining Promotion to the Championship Section in 2027.
ConsTest 4
A 5th At the 2026 ConsTest Contest under a brief return of Ryan Richards to conduct the Eric Ball Test Piece Spectrum..
