Brass band tradition returns to Hare Hill Park this September

The sound of brass music will once again fill Hare Hill Park this autumn as the Friends of Hare Hill Park invite residents to enjoy an afternoon of live music in one of Rochdale borough's most historic green spaces.

The free concert will take place on Saturday, 6 September, from 3pm until 5pm at the park's historic bandstand, continuing a tradition of open-air performances that has entertained generations of local families. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or folding chair and enjoy an afternoon of music surrounded by the park's award-winning gardens.

The event has been organised by the Friends of Hare Hill Park, a volunteer-led community group established more than 14 years ago to help preserve, improve and promote the Edwardian park. During that time, the group has played a major role in securing funding, restoring historic features and ensuring the park remains one of the borough's best-loved public spaces. Their work has helped attract more than £250,000 towards restoration projects, including improvements to many of the park's original Victorian and Edwardian features. Today, Hare Hill Park proudly holds Green Flag status, recognising it as one of the country's best-managed parks.

Although often associated with Milnrow because of its close proximity, Hare Hill Park actually sits in the heart of neighbouring Littleborough. The park was created during the Victorian era alongside Hare Hill House before the estate was sold to Littleborough Urban District Council in 1900, allowing it to become the public park enjoyed by residents today.

Among its most recognisable landmarks is the Grade II-listed bandstand, presented to the people of Littleborough by local benefactor James Cryer in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. More than 120 years later, it remains the centrepiece for community concerts and one of the park's most photographed historic features.

Over the decades, Hare Hill Park has welcomed countless visitors, community celebrations and civic events. The grounds have long been a venue for brass band concerts, fêtes, remembrance events, sporting activities and family gatherings, making it one of the social hearts of Littleborough and the surrounding Pennine communities.

Brass banding itself forms an important part of the area's industrial heritage. Mill towns across Lancashire and Greater Manchester developed proud brass band traditions during the nineteenth century, with local bands providing entertainment at parks, public celebrations and civic occasions. That heritage remains alive today, with Milnrow Band—founded in 1869—continuing to enjoy national success, recently earning promotion back to the prestigious British Open Championship following victory at the 2026 Grand Shield competition.

Friends of Hare Hill Park say they hope residents from across Rochdale borough will come along to enjoy an afternoon of live music while supporting the park and the volunteers who work throughout the year to keep it looking its best.

With its beautifully restored bandstand, formal gardens, mature trees and rich history, Hare Hill Park provides an ideal backdrop for a traditional brass band concert. For many visitors, it offers the chance to enjoy not only live music but one of the borough's finest historic parks, whose heritage continues to be protected by a dedicated group of local volunteers.

The concert is free to attend and takes place on Saturday, 6 September, between 3pm and 5pm.