Town's century old silver band set to be commemorated

A new heritage plaque celebrating the long-standing role of the Newtown Silver Band could be added to the town’s Heritage Trail, under proposals being considered by town councillors next week.

The Newtown Local History Group has offered to fund and install a plaque on the Silver Band’s building, commemorating the group’s 145-year history of music making and community service.

Founded as a military band in 1880, the Newtown Silver Band has led countless parades through towns in the area, including annual Armistice Day events, since the unveiling of the town’s war memorial in 1925. Their current band room was officially opened 100 years ago this September by Eleanor Pryce-Jones, wife of local MP and businessman Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones.

The proposal is due to be discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Economy and Environment Committee of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council.

As part of the plan, the Local History Group will not only cover the cost of the plaque and arrange its installation, but also provide historical content for the council’s Heritage Trail website.

Councillors will be asked to approve the addition if the group formally transfers ownership of the plaque and website content to the Town Council and secures written permission from the Silver Band for the plaque to be fixed to the building.

The project would follow similar initiatives commemorating local heritage figures and sites, including plaques dedicated to Laura Ashley, David Davies, and the RO building on Broad Street.