NHS staff brass band spreads festive cheer at Tameside Hospital

Tameside Hospital’s Christmas lights switch-on is set to sound more festive than ever this year, thanks to a unique musical group making waves across the borough.

The Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity Brass Band, the first and only brass band made up entirely of NHS staff, will take centre stage at the event on Tuesday 9 December at 4pm.

Formed by dedicated employees from the Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, the band rehearses and performs entirely in their own time. What began as a simple call-out for volunteers quickly grew into something special after senior clinical nurse assessor for digital health, Lindsey Rankin, founded the group.

“I was overwhelmed by the response,” Lindsey said. “Tameside has always been known for its brass band tradition, and I wanted to build on that by creating something new within our NHS community.”

The band made their debut last year at the Willow Wood Hospice Christmas Fair and have since built an impressive résumé, performing at NHS functions, community celebrations, and even weddings. Every event supports the official Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, with funds helping staff, patients, and families across both the hospital and community services.

Their dedication has not gone unnoticed. This year, the brass band was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year award at the Tameside and Glossop Everyone Matters Awards, a testament to their impact both within the Trust and in the wider community.

Reflecting on the band’s journey, Lindsey added: “The year since we formed the band has been a whirlwind. What’s been most rewarding is the sense of friendship and unity it’s brought to us all. Winning this year’s Volunteer of the Year award is just the cherry on top. Sharing music with local people is a real privilege, and we’re excited to keep adding performances to our calendar.”

Charity Manager Emily Whelan praised the group’s energy and commitment: “The brass band are brilliant ambassadors for the charity and the wider Trust. They give up their own time to rehearse and perform all year round, showcasing the skill and dedication of our NHS colleagues. This festive season and beyond, we’re thrilled to see the band spreading some festive cheer and bringing people together in a way that only music can.”

The Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a lively community celebration, with market stalls, a festive reading from the chaplaincy team, and a performance from pupils at Inspire Academy joining the brass band on the programme.