 It also played a major part in the development of brass bands which emerged in the county, particularly in the textile and coalfield areas, in the 19th century.The first open competition for brass bands was held at Manchester in 1853, and continued annually until the 1980s.The vibrant brass band culture of the area made an important contribution to the foundation and staffing of the Hallé Orchestra from 1857, the oldest extant professional orchestra in the United Kingdom.