*
banner

Top Times award for Smithybridge

The talented young performers of Smithybridge Primary School have taken a top honour at the National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham.

Symphony Hall
 

Smithybridge Primary School band from Rochdale have been presented with a special award at the National Festival of Music for Youth.

Times

The 'Times Educational Supplement Award' was awarded to the outstanding group in the Junior Section, which was held in the Birmingham's Symphony Hall on Monday.

Blown away

The adjudicators comments stated that they were 'blown away' with the standard of the band and thought they were professional from start to finish, especially as the whole programme that Smithybridge played was from memory.

The adjudicators comments stated that they were 'blown away' with the standard of the band and thought they were professional from start to finish4BR

Winners

This year the band has won both sections of the Rochdale Music Festival,the National Training Band Championship held at the RNCM, the oustanding performance of the selected competitors concert held at the Gracie Fields Hall in Rochdale, and now the TES Award at Symphony Hall.

The band is trained by Lee Rigg, a member of the Wardle High School Performing Arts team.

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    


RWCMD

Royal Welsh College defends claims that culture hasn't changed

October 18 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has refuted claims that its culture hasn't changed three years after it was found negligent in a case of alleged sexual assault.


McDonnell

McDonnell highlights risks of losing BBE gold standard BOPA

October 17 • Labour MP John McDonnell has written of the need for the Department of Education to reconsider its decision to end Brass Bands England BOPA provision in April next year.


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Kibworth Band

October 19 • Kibworth Band (First Section - South Leicestershire) seeking percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious team. Any seat negotiable. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room.


Kibworth Band

October 19 • Kibworth Band (First Section - South Leicestershire) seeking a BBb Bass player to join our friendly, ambitious team. Any seat negotiable. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room.


Kibworth Band

October 19 • Kibworth Band (First Section - South Leicestershire) seeking a euphonium player to join our friendly, ambitious team. Any seat negotiable. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd