Eccles Borough Band has announced that its Musical Director, Mareika Gray, will be stepping down after an influential 16-year tenure that has helped shape the ensemble into one of the North West’s respected contesting bands.

During her time with the band, Mareika oversaw a period of significant musical and organisational growth. Under her direction, the band climbed rapidly through the brass band ranks—reaching the top of the Second Section within just a few years before establishing a strong and consistent presence in the highly competitive First Section.

Her leadership extended well beyond contest success. Mareika guided the band through several phases of rebuilding, managing changes in personnel while developing players who have since progressed to perform with some of the region’s leading brass bands. Her impact is widely credited with strengthening both the band’s sound and its reputation for musical ambition.

Band representatives described her departure as the end of an important chapter, noting that her contribution leaves a lasting legacy not only in performances and results, but in the development of musicians who have passed through the ranks.

Looking ahead, Eccles Borough Band says it is focused on building upon the strong foundations established during Mareika’s tenure. With a solid contest record and a forward-looking outlook, the band is now seeking a new Musical Director to continue its upward trajectory.

Applications for the role are officially open. Interested candidates are invited to contact the Band Manager via email at ebbbandmanager@gmail.com or by phone on 07398 141013.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 26 April, with auditions expected to begin following the Spring Festival.