After taking the First Section title in 2010 and thus earning promotion to the top flight, Friary evolved into the leading band in the south of England under the baton of former Grenadier Guards Bandmaster Chris King.  With a record-equalling five consecutive Regional Championship titles, eight consecutive appearances at the National Finals, two Audience Entertainment Awards at Brass in Concert and three Most Entertaining Band prizes at Butlins, the Band’s reputation for quality playing and entertainment has blossomed. Following Chris King’s departure in 2023, the MD mantle was passed to Nigel Taken. Currently based in Chertsey, Surrey, Friary takes its name from its initial sponsor, Guildford’s Friary Meux brewery and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023. Apart from concerts and contests, Friary has played at many special occasions, including major sporting events such as the British Grand Prix and rugby internationals at Twickenham and Wembley, and for a local theatre company’s production of Brassed Off.  Each Christmas the Band, itself a registered charity, raises funds for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust playing seasonal music. 

 

Joint concerts have been staged with Fairey, Brighouse & Rastrick and Cory, as well as with the North East Hants East Schools Bands where two of the Band’s principal players started their banding careers.