Lizard village is in the civil parish of Landewednack and about 11 miles southeast of Helston
Unkown formation date.
1881: “HELSTON FESTIVAL MUSIC. Shadrack answers where, like the echoing refrain of the Helston Rifle Band. Mullyon (sic) suffers the loss of its leader, Mr Samuel George, who thinks too many irons in the fire a poor thing, and while engaged in training horses by day requires rest at night, and so has to give the training of young ideas. The Mullyon Band, consequently, has had to refuse numerous engagements, though not “skat-up!” The Lizard Band is certainly popularizing itself; but, according to a certain printed placard, issued recently, the honour of leadership falls to neither of the individuals mentioned, but to a stylish little fellow, with high heeled shoes. Shadrack has not had the pleasure of hearing this wonderful Lizard Band, but a friend of his has, and tells Shadrack that he considers them to be very good, but thinks the Lizard fog-horn would improve the Band considerably!” (21 July 1881 – Cornishman)
1883 or 1888: “The Rival Bandsmen of Meneage or He Who Collars a Man and Gets Knocked Down is Rightly Served” was the heading in the Cornishman newspaper when reporting an assault case heard at the West Kerrier Petty Sessions. Roughly what happened was that there was a festival held in St Keverne when the Porthalla Band was engaged to provide the music. St Keverne Band had usually played at this event, but not this time, although several of their members turned up for a day out. The Lizard Band had had the nerve to bring their instruments but was not allowed to perform. During an interval, whilst the Porthalla players were having their tea, Richard Jose, John Tiddy and Mr Chiddock of Lizard Band were laughing together and jeering at the members of the other two bands. William Scobie of St Keverne Band remonstrated with them upon which Jose grabbed him by the collar. Scobie floored him with a punch to the side of the head rendering him unconscious for several minutes. That was the end of fracas and at the subsequent court session the case was dismissed and each party had to pay their own costs, estimated at being not less than £3. (Cornish Telegraph 24th May 1883 / The Cornishman 1888 / JB)
1883: The procession, headed by the Lizard Brass Band, started from the hotel at 3.30, about 30 juveniles of the court taking part in the friendly display. (27 July 1883 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1883: Regatta … [because of] the incessant rain and heavy sea only a part of the programme could be got through. Helston Volunteer and Lizard Brass Bands were in attendance, and in spite of the wet a very large number of spectators lined the cliffs. (17 August 1883 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
Unknown closure date.
Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)
This collection is a part of the Cornish National Music Archive (CNMA) project to Collect, Preserve and Share our Cornish Heritage and Culture.
It is based on location as each may have had more than one band.
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