Stanhope Silver Band is one of the oldest bands in the country, having traced their roots back to 1823 when the ‘Band of Hope’ performed in Stahope Methodist Chapel. In 1998 the Band celebrated 175 years of history by recording their first CD ‘A Weardale Portrait’, which included two musical commissions: ‘Stanhope 1998′ by Goff Richards and ‘A Weardale Portrait’ by David Golightly. In February 2002 the Band were joined by The Gibside Singers and Newcastle Male Chorus to record a second CD ‘Wesley’s Weardale’ to celebrate 250 years of passing since the first visit of John Wesley to the village of Ireshopeburn. In 2005 the Band initiated and participated in the recording of the Brass Aid CD, setting in motion a worldwide effort which has raised over £50,000 by of the Brass Band movement, and saw a school built in Adet, Ethiopia with the support of World Vision. Also in 2005 Stanhope Band began promoting an Annual Festival of Brass, and in subsequent years has featured soloist including: Graeme Danby, Valerie Reid, Steve Sykes, John Doyle, Simone Rebello, David Childs, Owen Farr and Brett Baker.