FOR many the sound of summer is brass bands rousing the crowds at fetes, fayres and carnivals.

The emergence of brass bands in the UK coincided with the industrial revolution.

It was during this time technological advances in design and manufacturing of instruments meant they were accessible to the working classes for the first time.

At the same time major developments in the efficiency of piston valves resulted in horns, cornets and trumpets that produced a more accurate and consistent sound. In 1853 the first British open brass band championships was held in Manchester.

Check out our ensemble of nostalgic photos of bands from south Essex.