William Rimmer

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One of the most respected figures in UK brass banding around the turn of the 20th century, William Rimmer was born into a musical family in Southport, Lancashire, in 1861 or 1862. His father Thomas was the bandmaster of the local rifle band, while his younger brother Robert also made a name for himself as a performer, conductor and adjudicator. Robert's son Drake later became similarly well-known in banding circles.

First coming to prominence as a virtuoso cornet player, during the 1890s and 1900s Rimmer then established a reputation for himself as one of the foremost contest conductors of the day, winning both of the major annual prizes, the British Open and the National Championships, each of the five years between 1905 and 1909, a feat unmatched. In those years, such was the demand for his services, he would take as many as eight bands to the same contest.

Following his 1909 Nationals victory with the Shaw band, ill health forced Rimmer to retire from the podium, and from then on he devoted most of his musical energies to composing and arranging, producing amongst other works the body of marches for which he is best remembered today.

William Rimmer died in his native Southport in February 1936, aged 74.

Historical Results

493 results since 1891, including wins, second places and third places.

Contest Results

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