Grand Union was created by Roger Grimes in 1978. He wanted to play dance music that had drive and guts, and would make people dance.  At that time many other dance bands were playing pretty arrangements but missing the impetus that English tunes can convey.  New bands such as Umps and Dumps were changing the way musicians and dancers thought about English music, and Roger was heavily influenced by them.

Grand Union continues the tradition today, using material from local Gloucester sources as well as from all other parts of England, plus some tunes from other countries that lend themselves to the English dance.

Over the years Grand Union has performed at many major festivals in England, including Sidmouth, Cheltenham, Shrewsbury, Bromsgrove, Chippenham, and Dartmoor.  The band has also played at most of the major English ceilidh clubs, as well as the regular work of weddings, social events, and corporate.

Previous members include Vic Laubach (sousaphone),  Flos Headford (fiddle),  Taz Tarry (fiddle), Fran Wade (fiddle),  Kevin Bown (bass and piano).