Our History

Over 150 years of musical excellence

The Ascot Park Hotel Brass Band began as the Invercargill Garrison Band in 1867.

Prior to 1900, there were 45 brass bands in Southland, from which Invercargill bands drew players as they moved to the city for work.

By the 1920s, the band had developed four strong Boys Bands. Players from these groups were promoted into the senior band as needed.

These eventually evolved into the Junior Band, and then in 1980, the Auxiliary Band was formed.

Alex Lithgow, composer of the world-famous Invercargill March, was one of the early Garrison Band members.