New Zealand’s First Brass Band Contest – 27th April 1880

On 27th April 1880, Christchurch hosted New Zealand’s first intercity Brass Band Contest. It is believed that the first time New Zealand crowds were delighted by the sound of a brass band was in Wellington in 1843. The French warship, ‘Le Rhin’ was arriving in Port and this musical sideshow was part of the welcome. …