Alan Kelly – 2nd Cornet

1972 – Present

Alan started his banding career in 1972 when, at the age of 10 he joined Flixton Band, one of two local Brass Bands (the other being Urmston & Davyhulme which later became Trafford Band & unfortunately disbanded in the 1990’s).

In 1975 Alan was lucky enough to have been selected as 3rd Cornet for the contesting band that competed in the NWABBA event held at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall when Flixton achieved their first ever major success by winning the 4th Section. This was followed over the years with successes at all levels of competition including winning the 3rd Section at the 1990 Pontins contest by a 5 point margin, achieving 2nd place in the Second Section at the 1992 National Finals and gaining a first place in the Championship Section at the Preston District contest at Fleetwood in 1994.

Alan also travelled to Denmark for a week long concert tour with Flixton Band and performed at a number of venues including the World famous Tivoli Gardens to an audience of over two thousand.

During his time with the band Alan has played, with varying degrees of success, every position within the cornet section including both Principal Cornet and Soprano & currently occupies one of the back row positions.

Throughout his playing career Alan has remained a member of Flixton Band, although during the early 1990’s work commitments required him to be based in Newcastle for nearly a year. During this time he was made welcome by Billingham Silver Band and allowed to “guest” at their rehearsals until he returned to Manchester where he still resides in Urmston.

Alan‘s most memorable banding moment:

“In 1994 the band competed at the Fleetwood contest in the local Championship Section. We won the contest, and in doing so, I was able to complete the personal goal of having won at every level of competition with Flixton Band”