The origins of the band go back to 1900 when the village of Elworth near Sandbach formed its own band to feature in the relief of Mafeking in the Boer War.

After a couple of years the band was wound up, but from that base Edwin Foden formed the Fodens Motor Work Band.

Thirty two times the band has been a prize winner at the British Open, winning nine times including a hat trick in 1926-27-28. Thirty seven times a prize winner at the National Championships of Great Britain, twelve times as winner, including an unparalleled double hatrick in 1932-33-34 and 1936-37-38.

Since then Fodens have maintained their position as one of the worlds leading brass band. Becoming All England Masters Champions in 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995 and 2002 the band has emerged as the most consistant band in this contest.

In 1999 Fodens became the National Champions of Great Britain as well as becoming the North West Area Champions in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2006.

Fodens also won the European Championships in 1992, the Swiss Open in 1993, French Open in 1998 and the U S Open in 2003.

In September 2004 Fodens won the most coverted title in Banding by becoming the British Open Champions.

In March 2006 Fodens became the North West Area Champions and in July made history by becoming the first inaugural English National Champions.

2007 has been a very successful contest year for the band with victories at the North West Area Championship for a record breaking 14th time, being crowned the International Master Champions and victory at the Tameside Whit Friday March Contest for a 6th consecutive year. Fodens were runners up at the National Finals, at Brass in Concert held at the Sage in Gateshead as well as receiving a 3rd prize at the British Open.

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