ONE of the world’s oldest and most famous brass bands is tuning up to officially open a new heritage centre to tell its story and share its history.

The Black Dyke Band has created the mini-museum at its band room in Sandbeds, Queensbury, and now the work is almost complete, a celebration concert will be held on Thursday at the village’s Holy Trinity Church, to mark the occasion.

The project, which has been 18 months in the making, has cost nearly £100,000 and will showcase important artefacts from the band’s history including competition trophies, personal memorabilia donated by players, instruments, photographs, magazines, programmes and recordings.

The project has been given a helping hand from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has also helped to pay for a new website where people will be able to delve into the band’s archives.

Band secretary David Hirst said: “We have had a tremendous response from the people of Queensbury.

“It’s really important to the band - it’s really part of the fabric of life in Queensbury.

“There has been great excitement from ex-players and we’ve had visitors from Australia, Norway, Germany and from all over to come and see it.”

The museum will be open at least once or twice a month for people to visit. A number of items have QR codes, which visitors can scan with their phones to listen to a narration about each object.

“Everybody is really pleased with how it has turned out,” Mr Hirst said.

“We look forward to seeing many visitors over the years.

“The main idea is that brass bands are so important to the culture of British life.”

Alongside the Heritage Centre, the Black Dyke Band has also launched the Explorer Arts Award.

Through the Arts Award, young people gain a nationally recognised qualification, with the aim of building confidence, helping them enjoy cultural activities and preparing them for further education or employment.

More than 90 children signed up with the band to work through the award, which is based around the history and heritage collection.

The multi-award winning Black Dyke Band remains one of the world’s best known brass bands.

It was formed in 1855 and last month took to Glastonbury Festival’s Pyramid Stage to perform.

To view the new heritage website, visit www.blackdykebandheritage.co.uk