*
banner

FIFA sign up Fairey and Wire players

Players from Fairey and Wire Brass have been signed up to help promote FIFA's latest computer game.

 

Members of both Fairey and Bactiguard Wire Brass will be part of the new advert for the computer game FIFA 10.

The Smiths

After a phone call on Monday night, Owen Garbutt put together the group of players for the filming at 9.00am the following morning. The filming took place at the iconic Salford Lads Club made famous by the opo group, The Smiths album cover.

The group played football anthems to 200 extras pretending to be Manchester United fans, and then donned Arsenal shirts to play to Theo Walcott of Arsenal and Tim Cahill of Everton, while they played the computer game.

The group played football anthems to 200 extras pretending to be Manchester United fans...4BR

Interesting

Kim-Holly Thorp, one of the players involved, told 4BR: "It was an interesting day, with some long waits in between playing, but the footballers were very attractive!"

Top team

All this wouldn't have happened if Owen hadn't got the call to organise the group from Richard Milton, head of MAPAS (Music and Performing Arts in Salford) so there were thanks to him for what was a great experience for all involved.

The players that took part were, Mike Eccles, Jonathan Probert, Rebekah Caldwell, Andrew Oetegenn, Lisa Sarasini and Owen Garbutt of Fairey, plus Marrianne Cliff and Kim-Holly Thorp of Wire Brass.

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    


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Championship schedule confirmed

January 9 • There will be two days of exciting Yorkshire banding battles in Huddersfield to enjoy.


Dai Thomas

Tredegar look to new business lead for 150th anniversary

January 9 • Welsh champions will take a new approach to their business outlook as their celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.


Next Step Films

Compilation album on offer from NXTOD

January 9 • There are plenty of highlights to enjoy from 2025 — and its all free from the NXTOD media platform.


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd