The Flowers Band, based in Gloucester, is now in its 55th year. It was formed after the disbandment of the Royal Gloucester Hussars (Territorial Army) Brass Band. After negotiation with the MoD, the instruments were purchased and many former R.G.H. bandsmen, together with local players, formed the City of Gloucester Band. Since then, the band has had various sponsorships including Flowers Brewery. Much success was gained under the ‘Flowers’ name at contests and the band rose rapidly up the Championship Section ladder and has since established itself in the top 10 of the Brass Band World Rankings table.

In 1998 the Flowers brewery closed. In the same year the band won the title of the Grand Shield which gained it a place at the British Open Championships held in the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, arguably the most prestigious brass band contest in the world. In 2005 the band announced a new sponsorship deal with insulating concrete form manufacturers PolySteel UK Limited. In August 2008 the sponsorship with PolySteel came to an end and the band reverted back to the respected Flowers name under which it gained so much success.

Conducted by Paul Holland, his 8-year tenure from 2009-2017 marked the most successful period in the band's history. Under his baton, Flowers
achieved victories at the Grand Shield, French Open, five victories at
Butlins Mineworkers Championships, six victories at the West of England
Regional Championships, a hat-trick of wins at Yeovil Entertainment
Contest as well as their highest ever results at the National
Championships, British Open and Brass in Concert Championships.

In late 2018, Paul Holland returned to the helm, leading Flowers to victory at the 2019 West of England Regional Championships and the French Open. The band also won the Butlins Mineworkers Championships in 2020 and 2022. In 2022 the band equalled their highest result at the National Championships, being awarded 4th place and prequalifying for the 2023 contest. The band are proud to have several award-winning soloists including Principal Cornet Luke Barker, Solo Horn Emily Evans and Soprano Cornet Paul Richards.

The band balances its appearances at high profile contests with a varied schedule of concerts and engagements across the West of England and further afield. In June, the band will travel to France to deliver concerts and masterclasses at Bourgeuil Brass Festival and will be the first British Band to do make an appearance at the event.

The Flowers Band are performing at these events at this year's festival: