A Bolton band has celebrated a huge milestone of 150 years of making music.

Wingates Band, a brass band based in Westhoughton, is world famous for its reputation and has recently celebrated its 150th birthday.

What started off as a challenge by the members of the Westhoughton Old Band to develop a brass band, members of the Bible Class of Wingates Independent Methodist Church took up the gauntlet and formed the Wingates Band. That was 150 years ago in 1873.

And as a way to fund their anniversary celebrations this year, the band received £435 from Westhoughton Town Council.

As well as the donation, last week Westhoughton Local History Group opened a display in Westhoughton Library about the band’s rich history.

The band put on a musical performance at the exhibition which was watched by Westhoughton town mayor Cllr Deirdre McGeown, her mayor’s consort Ollie Younge and deputy town mayor, Cllr Neil Maher.

David Kaye, of Westhoughton Local History Group organised the celebration of the Wingates Band, at the start of National Heritage Week 2023.

Town mayor Deirdre said: “As Mayor of Westhoughton, I was honoured to say a few words before Jim Berry of The Houghton Weavers officially opened the first event of the week.

"Wingates Band has a special place in the Westhoughton community so we are delighted to have been able to support them as a town council with this grant in this anniversary year."

If community organisations are looking for funding, they can apply for up to £500 at www.westhoughtontc.gov.uk/apply.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.