1 day Ago
The current members of The Houghton Weavers were given the Freedom of Westhoughton – as the band celebrates its 50th anniversary. The founding members of the popular folk band, none of whom are still in the band, were given the same honour at the start of March. They are celebrating their "Golden Jubilee" in 2025, coming a long way from their modest founding in a Westhoughton pub in 1975.
The band rose to fame with the TV series "Sit Thi Dewan", which started in 1978, and "put Howfen on t'map". At their traditional spring concert on March 21, the band performed to a packed St Bartholomew's Parish Church. The 2025 Houghton Weavers performing at St.
Bartholomew’s Parish Church. (left to right): Simon Brady, Jim Berry, Steve Millington (Image: David Kaye) They were joined by fellow folk musician Simon Brady, a new recruit to the band, who played the mandolin. There, Westhoughton Mayor, Cllr Neil Maher, presented the current members with 'The Freedom of Westhoughton' on behalf of Westhoughton Town Council.
The Houghton Weavers is currently made up of Steve Millington, who has been in the band for 30 years, and frontman Jim Berry. Tony Berry, founder and lead singer for 44 years (Image: David Kaye) Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.
co.uk The award was also given posthumously to founder and lead singer Tony Berry, who tragically lost his battle with cancer in June 2019. It was accepted by his widow Andrea and daughter Amy.
Tony was succeeded in the band by his younger brother Jim, who had occasionally performed as a guest with the Weavers. READ MORE: Farnworth Flatland Recordings looking for new signings READ MORE: Better Joy, the breakthrough artist you should look out for READ MORE: Sell-out concert for Bolton's Eagley Band at Bridge Church Jim hadn't joined the band because of his career and lifestyle needing him to split time between homes in West Lancashire and the South of France. A spokesperson for the band said that knowing "how dear to his brother's heart" the Weavers were Jim "promised Tony he would strive to keep the group alive".
The Houghton Weavers have recorded a total of 40 albums to date and are currently planning another to commemorate their Golden Jubilee..
