Stalybridge Old Band – considered to be the oldest in the world – has today unveiled its very first band crest, which has been designed by a local Tameside artist.
TAMESIDE’S brass band-related history is steeped in local tradition and weaves a rich cultural tapestry throughout the last three centuries. Stalybridge Old Band was founded in 1809, and is now based at Judges Bar in Corporation Street in the Greater Manchester town.
The Band, with its remarkable heritage, has long represented the spirit and tradition of the local community. However, it has never had its own distinctive logo or crest, relying instead on the Stalybridge coat of arms as its visual identity.
To provide the Band with a crest that fully represents the traditional roots and heritage of the band, while also being fit for purpose for a modern day brass collective, Tameside artist Liam Hopkins, of Denton-based creative studio Lazerian, was commissioned to create something new.
Capturing community pride
In developing a unique mark and identity for Stalybridge Old Band, Liam focused on pivotal local events that propelled both the town and the band onto the global stage. A standout moment was Jack Judge’s composition of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” a song that gained international fame and underscored Stalybridge’s rich musical legacy.
“I delved into music sheets and posters from that era, drawing inspiration from their vintage aesthetics and historical significance. This exploration became the foundation for crafting an identity that not only honors the band’s heritage and craftsmanship but also encapsulates their deep-rooted pride in being an integral part of Stalybridge’s cultural tapestry.
Liam
“Researching the cultural history of Stalybridge was absolutely vital. It wasn’t just about creating something visually striking; it was about crafting a design that resonates with the band’s rich heritage and tells their story.
“The band members were forthcoming in sharing memories and stories that added depth to the project. However, the most impactful community engagement came when we took the Lazerian Mobile Studio on the road to various sites in Tameside. This allowed us to connect not only with past band members who shared their stories but also with locals who contributed their perspectives.
“These interactions were incredibly important, as those who have experienced the band’s influence firsthand brought an unmatched sense of inspiration and connection to the design process.”
Music, Meaning and Monograms
Drawing from the rich history of Stalybridge Old Band and the visual aesthetics of the era, Liam used this inspiration to create a monogram of “S O B” that encapsulates the band’s heritage, craft, and pride.
He said:
“The monogram integrates elements reminiscent of early 20th-century design, such as the typographic flair seen in sheet music and posters from the time of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary. Subtle nods to the Stalybridge coat of arms and musical motifs were also woven into the design, connecting the band’s new identity to its heritage and the cultural fabric of the town.
“By weaving these historical details into a contemporary yet timeless design, the monogram serves as a proud emblem of the band’s legacy. It embodies their role as cultural ambassadors of Stalybridge, while reflecting their artisanal craft and enduring community spirit, giving the band a visual identity that is as meaningful as their music.”
A representative from Stalybridge Old Band said:
“It has been great to have been part of this project and seeing the end result is fabulous.
“The logo looks great and we will be sharing it on our social media platforms, showing what has been produced for us as part of this project. Our band crest is very special to us and is part of our very long history, but to also now have a modern logo is a lovely thing.”
Industry and innovation
“Northern towns like Stalybridge boast incredible stories of resilience, industry, and community spirit, but they’re often overshadowed by larger cities. These towns are cultural powerhouses, and their contributions to music, art, and history deserve more recognition” said Liam.
Claire Tymon, Project Director, Stalybridge Heritage Action Zone cultural programme, said:
“It’s been a privilege to direct the cultural programme for the Stalybridge Heritage Action Zone and to support projects like this one, which celebrate the incredible heritage, creativity, and spirit of the town. Art and creativity play a vital role in helping places like Stalybridge to thrive, especially when working with local artists who are deeply passionate about their community.
“Public art is such an accessible and powerful way to celebrate a place’s identity and sense of belonging, and this project shows how creative collaboration can connect history with the future. Funding from the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund and Historic England made this possible, and I hope it inspires more projects like it as Stalybridge undergoes exciting regeneration.”
Between 2021 and 2025, a cultural partnership called ‘The Bridge’ was formed to curate and deliver a cultural programme supporting the Stalybridge High Street Heritage Action Zone, funded by Historic England and Know Your Neighbourhood Fund. This broader cultural initiative featured numerous events, activities, and projects aimed at celebrating local heritage, creativity, and community engagement.
Central to the programme was a commitment to forging dialogues around climate change, equality, accessibility, health, and identity through community-driven campaigns promoting slow art, slow food, and slow movement concepts.
