𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗥𝘆𝗮𝗻!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Ryan as the new Musical Director of Wingates Band.

Matt joins the band following his previous appointments as conductor of City of Bradford and Flixton Band, and has worked in rehearsal and performance with bands across the country including the world famous Fodens and Grimethorpe Colliery Bands. Matt is the winner of the 2023 Brass Band Conductors Association (BBCA) Competition, and in 2024 accepted an invitation to join the BBCA Executive. Matt is also in the process of finalising training as an adjudicator with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

Born in Bolton, Matt has been an active member of the Bolton and North West Banding Community. He has previously played and contested with Wingates on bass, so is no stranger to the Wingates bandroom!

Matt stated “I’m delighted to be approached and accept this position with a band that has such a progressive attitude and commitment to musical excellency. As a ‘local lad’, I needed no introduction to the wonderful cultural asset that is Wingates Band, having grown up with the band always leading the musical way in Bolton. When the opportunity arose this week to be a part of leading that, I didn’t need to think about it! I can’t wait to bring my knowledge of the town’s musical scene and organisations to create new chapters in the story of Wingates. The history of Wingates Band is huge, successful and exciting- I now look foward to getting to work, continuing the work began so positively by Andrea Price to build a future Wingates Band that would make every one of it’s historical predecessors proud of the continuing quality and innovation found at Wingates Square.”

As we transition to Matt’s residency, we must extend a huge “Thank you” to Ben Dixon, Martin Heartfield and Dave McGlynn for their work with the band for the Grand Shield and upcoming concerts since March.