Melbourne Tramways Band

First formed in 1888 as the Melbourne Tramways Employees Band, the band has long been community based, comprising musicians who give their time to ensure valued traditions are maintained.  The renowned brass band performs a wide repertoire from Tchaikovsky to Robbie Williams and is complemented by three additional ensembles: the roving City Circle Jazz Band, the five piece combo In Transit and the swinging sounds of the eighteen piece Tramways Big Band.

Contact Us

The band is available to perform at corporate and community events.

For more information, please contact the Executive Officer:
Phone:  0438 551 475
Email:  exec@melbtramband.org.au

Wattle Park Concert Series proudly sponsored by:

Band History

The Melbourne Tramways Band has been synonymous with Melbourne's marvellous tramway network since the introduction of cable trams in the late 1880's.

Originally known as the 'Melbourne Tramways Employees Band', the band was formed in 1888 by the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company.  The bandsmen were all serving employees and appear to have been paid for their services.  Prior to World War I, the band was well known for its regular concerts at the South Melbourne beach but with the development of the individual tramway trusts, formed to implement the suburban electric tram networks, the band's role was lost to the various bands formed by the new trusts.

Following the amalgamation of the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company and the various electric tramway trusts to form the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board, a core tramways band was once again established in the late 1930's, involving serving employees from across the network.  The band was called the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Band and became well known throughout the community for its public performances, particularly its monthly recitals at Wattle Park.

In 1986 the band's name was changed to the Melbourne Transit Band, to reflect the reorganisation of Melbourne's public transport infrastructure.  In March 2001, the band acknowledged its history and returned to the name by which it is best recognised - the Melbourne Tramways Band.

Although the band retains its strong links with Melbourne's public transport services it has long been community based, comprising musicians who give freely of their time to ensure valued traditions are maintained and to promote the benefits of public transport.