History
The story of Bayside Brass begins during the Great Depression, when two bands were active in Brisbane's bayside district. The Manly Concert Band, directed by Harold Walmsley, rehearsed in Manly, while the Moreton Bay Band, led by Reg Dearlove, was based in Wynnum. Together, these ensembles brought music to the local community and laid the foundations for what would eventually become Bayside Brass.
Throughout the 1930s, both bands enjoyed considerable success. The Manly Concert Band won a minor band contest only four months after its formation and achieved third place in the D Grade section of the Australian Championships in Maryborough. These early achievements helped establish a strong tradition of musical excellence within the district.
Following the disruption of World War II, many former members returned and combined their efforts to form a single community band. By the mid-1950s, the organisation had adopted the name Wynnum Manly Citizens Band, bringing together musicians from across the bayside region under one banner.
During the late 1950s, the band continued to grow as a valued part of the local community. Regular performances, community events, and public concerts strengthened the band's reputation and ensured its place within the cultural life of Wynnum and Manly. The foundations established during this period would support decades of future growth.
The 1970s saw the band playing an important role in the development of a permanent bandstand at Darling Point Reserve, now known as George Clayton Park. The project was made possible through collaboration between the band, local council representatives, and community supporters, creating a dedicated performance space that served the bayside community for many years.
For much of the late 1990s and 2000s, the band performed under the name Yellow Cabs Bayside Brass through a long-standing sponsorship with the family-owned Yellow Cab Co. (QLD). The distinctive black uniforms and orange ties became a familiar sight at concerts and competitions, representing one of the longest-running corporate sponsorships of a brass band in Australia.
Following the conclusion of the Yellow Cabs sponsorship, the band undertook a complete rebrand and officially adopted the name Bayside Brass. Members and community supporters worked together to develop a new identity, unveiling a fresh logo, updated uniforms, and the return of the band's iconic blue colours.
Today, Bayside Brass continues its proud tradition as one of Brisbane's leading community brass bands. Based in the bayside region, the band combines competition performances with an active community engagement program, welcoming musicians of all ages and experience levels, while continuing a musical legacy that spans almost a century. Please contact us for any enquiries, and check out our Facebook page to see what we've been up to, and for upcoming events!