UK PAPER BAND

A non contesting brass band based in Sittingbourne.

The UK Paper Band is currently going from strength to strength, under the leadership of musical director Dan Sargeant.

The band plays at many engagements across Kent, in a variety of venues, from bandstands on the coast, to churches around North Kent, at summer fetes, or at our “home” in the Appleyard.

In 1883 Edward Lloyd, owner of the Daily Chronicle, set up his brass band for the employees in his paper mill, then called the Daily Chronicle Band.  The mill was purchased by Eric Bowater in 1936 and for fifty years until 1986 the band was known as the Bowater Band.  Since 1986 there have been more changes of ownership of the mill but the band has remained the UK Paper Band. The Band rehearse at the Appleyard (formerly UK Paper Leisure Club), which was historically the mill’s social club.

 In the early days of the band all the players worked at the paper mill and were given time off to attend rehearsals and play at concerts.  The band was often seen at parades and processions, marching along Sittingbourne High Street.  Today the band attracts players from across Kent and continues to flourish.