York RI Golden Rail Band is a non-contesting brass band based in central York, next to York Station
We are a versatile brass band and undertake a wide range of engagements, from bandstand concerts in parks and gardens across Yorkshire to playing for ceremonial occasions. We have earned a reputation for innovative and entertaining programming and have performed in prestigious venues including York Minster, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York Barbican, Selby Abbey and the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM). We also love playing community concerts, whether it's a Christmas carol concert or to boost your local fete or fundraiser.
In 2024 Golden Rail Band celebrated its 40th anniversary. Find out more here and listen to our From the Bandroom concert on Chapel FM.
For up-to date pictures & videos, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Band and choir reunite to celebrate 100 years of music
Two of York’s well-loved ensembles reunited for a
concert, Sounding Brass and Voices, at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre on Saturday
6 September 2025 to celebrate a hundred years of music.
It’s the
fourth time that York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail
Band have come together to perform a joint concert. The successful pairing
commenced in 2020, three weeks before the first national lockdown in the UK,
continuing again in 2023 and 2024 to acclaim from enthusiastic York audiences.
The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir – or ‘The Phil’ as it is
affectionately known – was founded in 1925 and is marking its centenary year
with a season of high-profile concerts with partner choirs from Europe and
closer to home, as well as with the Golden Rail Band.
Berenice Lewis, who has been the choir’s musical director for 25 years
said: “It's a
tremendous privilege and pleasure to be collaborating again with the York RI
Golden Rail Band, one of our region's leading concert brass bands. Our two groups are exceptionally compatible, and
we love working together – and it's particularly special in this centenary year
for the choir.
Golden Rail is delighted to be invited to perform with The Phil and their other musical friends at York Barbican on Sunday 21 September for the choir's special centenary concert.
Book tickets for the Barbican concert here: https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/
For more news about the Golden Rail Band, go to our News Archive. York RI Golden Rail Band, and York RI Development Band are constituent parts of York RI - a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registration number 1165513