*
banner

Stalybridge to honour Tipperary centenary

Iconic First World War song to be honoured in home town.

 

Stalybridge Old Band will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the song, 'It's a long way to Tipperary' over the next few days.

100th anniversary

The song was written by Jack Judge in Stalybridge, and sung for the very first time at the town's Grand Theatre, on 31st January, 1912.

On Saturday (28th), the band will perform the song and entertain the crowd before the start of Stalybridge Celtic's home game against Colwyn Bay.

Exhibition

The anniversary will be celebrated on Tuesday when the song will again be performed with a choir of local schoolchildren at the Jack Judge statue at Stalybridge Civic Hall. The performance begins at 11.00am, and there is also an exhibition about the song and its composer inside the hall on Trinity Street.

Whilst the origins of the song have been disputed over the years, the song itelf and Jack Judge will always be synonymous with Stalybridge4BR

Origins

Whilst the origins of the song have been disputed over the years, the song itelf and Jack Judge will always be synonymous with Stalybridge.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd