All about Norfolk Unity Brass
A brand new brass band for Norfolk, with a decades long heritage
About Norfolk Unity Brass
Norfolk Unity Brass was formed in September 2025, bringing together Norfolk Wherry Brass and Hellesdon & Sprowston Brass Band.
Why the merger? Simple really – to keep brass banding alive and thriving in the area, bring people together, and build a band that’s as enjoyable to be part of as it is to listen to.
Where we came from
Norfolk Wherry Brass started life in 2004, built around a group of musicians who wanted to play great music in a friendly, supportive band. Over the years they enjoyed success in contests (including becoming Fourth Section National Champions in 2012), while also raising money for charities and performing across East Anglia.
In early 2025, they made the decision to step back from contesting and focus on doing what they loved most – playing and entertaining.
Hellesdon & Sprowston Brass Band had even deeper roots, going all the way back to the Norwich Lads Club Band in the 1920s.
In the late 1970s, the Norwich Lads Club Band then became Sprowston Band, remaining so until 2004 when it merged with the Enterprise Band, which rehearsed at Hellesdon Community Centre thereby becoming Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band.
The band became a familiar face at concerts, village fetes, church services and events across Norwich and Norfolk.
A new chapter
By bringing these two bands together, Norfolk Unity Brass combines decades of experience, a wide musical library, and a shared passion for performing.
Today, we carry that forward by playing great music, supporting local events and charities, and making sure both our members and audiences have a great time.
Wherever we’re performing, that’s what Norfolk Unity Brass is all about.
Meet our conductor, James Higham
Hailing from good old Yorkshire brass banding stock, James has a proud history with both our former bands.
Moving to Norfolk in 2009, he soon joined Norfolk Wherry Brass, was quickly appointed Principal Cornet and was a member of the band during a period of considerable success, enjoying regional and national contest victories, a string of memorable concert appearances, trips, and experiences with the band where he made many lifelong friends.
He left Wherry in 2016 and soon joined the local Cawston Band, where he remains to this day playing euphonium and acting as deputy MD.
Having guested as a player with Hellesdon & Sprowston Brass Band a few times over the years, he was invited to take a rehearsal in late 2019, then asked to conduct the band through the busy Christmas period and was invited to become their permanent conductor in 2020.
Of course the pandemic then hit, throwing the world upside down and causing many people to re-evaluate what was important in life; including band members. A period of consolodation and rebuilding followed as restrictions eased, and, by 2025 the band was in a much better place with more members, engagements and making a great sound.
James’ approach to music is to push the envelope in audience expectations and challenge perceptions and stereotypes of what brass bands can do. He encourages members to do their best, work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labour by making great music together – both at our public engagements and rehearsals, at which he tries to create a warm, welcoming and positive atmosphere for all.
