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James Holt
It is with deep sadness that the
Band learned from his family of the
passing of our Honorary President,
Mr. James Holt.
The Holt family’s connection to the
Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band spans
generations and is woven into the
very fabric of our history. From the
remarkable generosity of James’s
father, Lt Col Vernon Harrison Holt
M.C., who in September 1934 funded
the repair of all the Band’s
instruments, to the family’s
steadfast support during the crucial
constitutional and financial changes
of the 1930s and 40s, their
commitment has shaped the Band we
know today, including in 1934 our
name becoming the Kirkbymoorside
Town Brass Band, a name that has
endured for over ninety years of our
210 year history.
James carried this legacy forward
with unwavering dedication,
friendship and generosity. For many
years, he played an integral role on
the Band committee, often holding
roles such as Chairman and President
offering wisdom, guidance, and
support whenever it was needed. His
belief in the Band and its place in
the community was constant and
wholehearted.
In 1976, James gifted the land at
Manor Vale in memory of his father,
enabling the construction of our
bespoke Band Room, a home that has
nurtured generations of musicians.
Then, in 2015, he set his sights
even higher. Driven by a vision to
secure the long-term future of brass
banding in Kirkbymoorside, James
championed the creation of a
purpose-built Concert Hall, the
first of its kind for brass bands
anywhere in the country. His
determination, financial commitment,
and expertise made that vision a
reality, providing not only a home
for our own Band but also a base for
the Scouting movement in the town.
Today, the James Holt Concert Hall
stands as a powerful testament to
his foresight and generosity. So too
does the thriving musical community
it supports: five bands, 125 active
players, and countless world-class
performances each year. This legacy
will continue to live on, through
the Hall, through the music, and
through every player who steps
through its doors. James was
honoured as a Life Member for his
support, a true testament to his
lifetime of support.
We, the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass
Band, extend our heartfelt
condolences to the Holt family, to
James’s relatives, and to all who
knew and loved him during this
difficult time.
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Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band
 North
of England 1st Section Champions
2004 - 2008 - 2015 and 2022
Our band is
currently in the 'National 1st Section' so we play close to the top level
of banding. Kirkbymoorside
or Kirkby
as it is known locally, is situated at the southern foothills of the
North Yorks Moors. It is 7 miles from Pickering and 6 miles from Helmsley.
Kirkby has had a band since at least 1815 and we have the minutes book
from 1890 until today. The bands first contest win
was the Kirkbymoorside poultry and industrial show contest of 1886.
Our band room was built in 1976 on land kindly donated
by James Holt who lives in Kirkby. It is a purpose built building and
is used for all band activities including practices which are three
or four times a week. In addition to our Senior Band we have several
teaching bands ranging in ability from the Beginner Band made up of
people who can play just a few notes, to a quite capable ensemble of
GCSE and A level students. We also have an adult teaching band - our
"Community Band" and all of our musical ensembles deliver
public performances. Next door to our band room is our new concert
hall. The James Holt Concert Hall was built in 2019 with very many
generous donations from many people in the Kirkby and surrounding
area..
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