Broughtons Brass Band originated as the Blackhall Youth Band, which was formed by Albert Haswell in 1971 to teach young people to play brass and percussion instruments. The band was hugely successful, producing many musicians and winning competitions in the UK and internationally, including two major youth awards at the International Music Festival held in Rastede, Germany. The band graduated to the senior sections of the Durham Brass Band movement and gradually brought in more senior players to enable younger players to benefit from their experience and expertise.

In 1982 sponsorship was obtained from the American Oil Company A.M.O.C.O. During the five years of their sponsorship, the Band performed at many prestigious events including The Royal Show, the Paraplegic Games at Stoke Mandeville, Royal Ascot and Burleigh Horse Trials.

Following on from this successful period, the Band received sponsorship from Broughtons Ltd, the Rolls Royce and Bentley distributors based in Cheltenham.

The Band relocated in 1987 to South Hetton Community Centre, a building converted from the offices of the recently closed South Hetton Colliery.

Over recent years the North East Area of the National Mineworkers Union has given support and help. As this organisation no longer functions in the same way as in the past, we are now pleased to receive help and support from the Durham Miners Association.