Its 1992, and the miners of Grimley Colliery are facing uncertainty. Not only is their pit and therefore their livelihoods under threat, but the Grimley Colliery Band is on the verge of breaking up that is, until Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald) arrives. As the only female member of the band, she somehow manages to revive their enthusiasm for the forthcoming National Championships, as well as rekindling a childhood romance with Andy (Ewan McGregor).

Led by the passionate Danny (Pete Postlethwaite) the band plays on. Danny has his pride and his trombonist son, Phil (Stephen Tompkinson), has his problems. Problems which not even My Chuckles, the clown, cant seem to help solve. With the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall looming, can they hold it all together and secure a famous victory for Grimley?