Laura Hirst

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A woman with short blonde hair playing the cornet.
Photograph © Anita Corbin

 

 

First Woman to become a full-time member of Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band

December 2011, at home in Saddleworth, Lancashire

b.1983, Oldham

Musician Hirst made musical and traditional history in 2010 when she became the first woman in 119 years to become a full time member playing in the all-male, Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band. The Brighouse and Rastrick are said to be Britain’s best public subscription brass band and has had men-only membership since 1881 and on Hirst’s admission, some members threatened to leave. Hirst started playing cornet at 8 years old and achieved her first at the age of 27.

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