THE BAND | Silver Band

A proud 144 year history since our formation in 1878

Established in 1878 Wetherby Silver Band has been performing for over 135 years. We are rightly proud of our heritage and our Band members display a true passion for performing live music. We are available for public and private events and have a superb repertoire of traditional and modern music.

Musical Director

Craig Ratcliffe

BMus (Hons), PGCE

Born in Wetherby, Craig Ratcliffe is well known across Yorkshire and throughout the world of education as musician committed to developing young talent and fostering a love of music in all. As a youngster Craig quickly developed a love of all things brass and started to learn the Euphonium at Wetherby Silver Band under the guidance of band stalwart John Scruton. He played with the band for several years before leaving to study music at Huddersfield University. Under the tutelage of Philip McCann, David Thornton and Barrie Webb Craig played for many of the area’s top brass bands whilst musically directing the Tewit Youth Band in Harrogate. During this period the band grew to over 100 members across 4 bands and nurtured
many musicians who have gone on to professional careers within music. In one of the most successful periods in the band’s history, Craig was Musical Director of the Harrogate Band from 2011-2014 leading them to become the North of England regional champions on 2 two occasions.

Craig is in demand as a Musical Director of theatre and the arts and works closely with a number of local organisations.

As Director of Music at St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate for the last 11 years, Craig continues to drive music in a large and highly successful department with a national reputation for extra-curricular music and exam success. Beyond the world of education, he is an Artistic Director for the Harrogate International Youth Festival of Performing Arts and a trustee of the Harrogate International Festivals, the largest arts festival in the North of England.