Norfolk Wherry Brass was formed in 2004 by a group of local musicians from across Norfolk and Suffolk who came together under the musical direction of Andy Craze, a member of the Band of the Dragoon Guards, based at Swanton Morley.
They wanted more from their band than they were getting and wanted a change. Andy’s vision of a band that made great music in a friendly environment, a band in which all members were encouraged to continually improve their playing ability and a band that would give great pleasure to audiences of all ages in contests and concerts. This continues to be our aim.
We rehearse at the state of the art New Victory Hall in Neatishead every Tuesday evening between 19:45 and 21:45
Contests
In 2005, the band made their debut appearance at the London and Southern Counties (LSC) Regional Contest in Stevenage, where they were awarded First Place from a field of 22 bands. This result meant a promotion to the third section from January 2006, as well as an invitation to take part in the National Finals in Harrogate, where they were placed 5th overall. The emotions over following years contest have been very mixed with some very good performance, some poor and some just bad pure judging and a series of relegations and promotions ensued. The very high point came in 2012 with the band being crowned 4th section National Champions in Cheltenham, the first East Anglian band to win such honour. In early 2025, it was announced that Norfolk Wherry Brass would take a step back from contesting and focus on the enjoyment of making music.
Concerts
Contesting is only a small part of what we do; concerts are our main income source. A large proportion of the band’s concerts are in association with national and local charities to help with their fund-raising activities. Some of the organisation we have raised money for include the Royal Air Forces Association, Royal National Lifeboat institution, Royal British Legion, East Anglian Air Ambulance, East Anglian Children’s Hospice, the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, the Norfolk and Norwich Pensioners’ Association to name a few as well as supporting several local churches.
TV Appearances
Our first appearance was one of our first concerts in the summer of 2004 when we were filmed for an ITV programme called ‘Life’s a Beach’ when we were being ‘investigated’ by 2 jolly policemen at the bandstand on Great Yarmouth Sea Front. Next we appeared on B.B.C Look East (circa 2007) when 2 sisters in the band were featured rehearsing at home and at a full rehearsal for a contest. The last appearance was New Year’ Day 2018 on National TV. We appeared with Michael Portillo in B.B.C’s. ‘Cromer to Cambridge’ episode of ‘Great British Railway Journeys’. Michael even took over conducting for a while.
The Future of the Wherry Brass Band
Wherry are currently looking for a new, full-time musical director and players to fill the ranks of the band.
Given the decision to cease contesting, we look forward to hearing from you. Should you wish to help a friendly bunch of like-minded musicians bring smiles to our audiences at our concerts and drive our band forward, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!