*
banner

Smithills stun the Welsh!

Smithills Senior Band get the crowds on thier feet in North Wales.

Smithills
 

Directed by MD Chris Wormald, Smithills Senior Band got their new concert season off to the best possible start with a standing ovation at the New Wales Theatre in Llandudno last weekend.

New principal

Led for the first time by 13 year old principal cornet Elizabeth Tonge, Smithills received the accolade from the audience of over 700 people packed into the North Wales venue.

Led for the first time by 13 year old principal cornet Elizabeth Tonge, Smithills received the accolade from the audience of over 700 people packed into the North Wales venue4BR

Break

Having only returned from the Summer break for their first rehearsal in early September, Smithills took to the Llandudno stage after only 16 days together, with no fewer than four new principal players, all aged just 13.

New items

The delighted audience were treated to a number of new arrangements made especially for the band by the MD, including the Toto hit 'Africa', 'Rule The World', 'Have I told You Lately?' and 'It’s Not Unusual' — the latter two items given solo premieres by Elizabeth Tonge and principal trombone Sam Hindley-Birchall.

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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Coverage: North West Regionals Championships

February 23 • Victories for Tyldesley, Middleton and Darwen Brass at Blackpool with just the Championship and Third Section titles remaining to be claimed in Blackpool.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd