Allen has been a member of Crofton Silver Band since 1969. He started playing the cornet with encouragement from his elder brother Derek, also a member of Crofton Silver Band. He was also one of three members to form the Crofton Junior Band in 1995, when himself, Colin Slassor and Roger Hine decided to form the Junior Band with a view to help bring in young players for the senior band, this was a very successful period for the Junior band being able to compete in the National youth championships. With this in mind Allen is very positive of the benefits that an organisation like the Crofton Music Trust can bring to the wider brass band world. Allen has also been the Treasurer of Crofton Silver Band for the past 25 Years.