History of the UK Paper Concert Band

The UK Paper Concert band has a history stretching back over 100 years. The band was formed in 1883 and called the Daily Chronicle Band. Its members were workers from the new paper mill in Sittingbourne built by Edward Lloyd's to supply newsprint for his recently acquired newspaper, the Daily Chronicle. Later the band became known as the Edward Lloyd Band. When Eric Bowater joined the company his name was added to the band's name and it became the Bowater Lloyd Band. In 1936, when Eric Bowater took control of the company, he changed the name to the Bowater Band. This name remained until 1988 when once again the mill changed hands and the band became UK Paper Concert Band.

In the early days of the band, all the players worked at the paper mill and were given time off to attend rehearsals and play at concerts. The band was often seen at parades and processions, marching along Sittingbourne High Street, playing as they went.

In recent times the number of players working at the mill has fallen sharply and the band has needed to become more self sufficient. Nowadays the band performs at various fetes, bandstands and other events each year as well as giving regular concerts at the Sittingbourne Clubhouse and several local churches.

With the help of the UK Paper Leisure Club, the band has recently taken delivery of several new instruments and hopes to purchase more in the near future. Overall it is an exciting time for the band and we are looking forward to the next 100 years!

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