About Us

The original Coventry Festival Band was formed in 1952 during the Festival of Britain. Up until 1980, the band was located at Howes Mission in Coventry alongside its Junior Band, which consisted of 35 members.

At this time the band became sponsored by Rolls-Royce and relocated to Quinton Road, Coventry. After a few weeks in its new location, the Junior Band felt it could not operate and decided to split from the Rolls-Royce-sponsored band, returning to Howes Mission under the musical directorship of Dick Arrand and Secretary Ken Perry. They renamed themselves Coventry Festival Junior Band, which would later become the Coventry Festival Band which exists today.

The band continued at Howes Mission for several years, however, numbers fell and membership was opened up to adults. Parents and past members joined and the band continued. The condition of Howes Mission building was such that for safety reasons the band was forced to find alternative accommodation, and moved to Sibree Hall.

Sadly, shortly after the move to Sibree Hall, Dick Arrand died. The band struggled to find focus without Dick's knowledge, dedication and sense of humour. Ken Perry continued to provide support to the band, covering both Secretary and Conductor roles. During the time at Sibree Hall the band increased in numbers but went though a number of Musical Directors, with Jim Nairn being the longest serving.

When Sibree Hall was put up for redevelopment, a committee made up of Chairman Denis Tonks, Secretary Ken Perry and Treasurer Jim Saxton made the decision to move to Cheylesmore Community Centre, a location chosen for its accessibility to disabled band members.

The band successfully obtained Lottery funding from the Arts Council of England in 1999 to procure a complete new set of instruments and also commission a piece of music.

During 1999, founding member Ken Perry decided to retire and pursue other activities. Roy Owen took over the position of Musical Director, but sadly died in 2004.

The band is now conducted by Albert Ray.