The Easington Colliery Brass Band was founded in 1915 and initially consisted of people who worked at the Colliery in the East of Durham. 

In 1993, the colliery unfortunately closed but the band have carried on. They are now totally self-supporting, relying on the band members themselves to raise funds to keep the band alive. They rehearse twice a week and perform at community events, concerts and have been winners of many competitions over the years. 

Using his black-and-white style, Neil set out to document their rehearsals at the beginning of 2025. Using his analogue Leica and Rollei cameras with 35mm and 120 films, he digitally scanned the results for a book that could be sold and contribute to the band’s funds. 

Taking influence from American Documentary Photographer Robert Frank, Neil embraces an unrefined aesthetic conveying mood and atmosphere. Focusing on textures, tone and contrasts of both the players and their instruments. Neil feels this is enhanced by leaving in watermarks and any scratches from the negatives.

Neil considers this work to have captured a small moment in the life of the band who put so much work and time into the preparation for events. The dedication from the band members is remarkable and appreciated also by such artists as Sam Fender, whose recent song ‘Remember My Name’ features the band providing backing music for Sam’s heartfelt emotional lyrics. 

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Documented during 2025.