IN PICTURES: How brass bands have kept south Essex entertained over the decades

South Essex bands were often involved in the likes of Southend Carnival, but they have been unable to congregate for extensive periods of the year because of the pandemic.

However, some have taken advantage of the wonders of modern technology to still create a tune.

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

Entertainer - a 24-year-old Paul Menahen shows his ability playing the tenor horn during a performance in 1988

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.

We have delved into the archive to rediscover these snaps of brass bands from years gone by...

Band of brothers - nine-year-old twins Paul and Mark Futcher from Hadleigh

Fun and games - Jack Ayres of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Corps in 1985

Sharp idea - a Southend band leader used his imagination to advertise for new recruits while conducting a performance in 1986

Cute conductor - three-year-old Andrew Sheldon shows his authority at an incredibly young age by conducting the Castle Point Brass Band

SEE ALSO

• IN PICTURES: When Southend High Street used to be bustling with Christmas shoppers
• Flashback to when car cruisers made trips to Southend seafront in 1990s

Bagpipes - Iain Allen, of the Basildon Sutherlands Pipes and Drums, in July 1983

Duo - two members of the British Columbia band in Southend

Coming together - the Southend Brass Band in October 1977 at the Cliffs bandstand

Musically and physically in unison - a marching band on parade in the 1980s