*
banner

Brighouse announce new signings

Brighouse announce a batch of new signings and a few returnees too.

Brighouse
 

Following the retirement of Leigh Baker, Ciaran Young joined the Brighouse & Rastrick on solo baritone.

Ciaran formally spent around 5 years on solo euphonium with Carlton Main Frickley before joining B&R for the British Open contest in September.

Lead

Following his lead, the experienced percussionist Iain Wilson and young tenor horn star Jonathan Bates also confirmed their move from the South Elsmall band, in time for Brass in Concert.

Jonathan joined on 1st horn and, at the tender age of 14, is the third youngest player ever to have signed with Brighouse.

All new signings were on display at last weekend's concert in Kettering with the girls of 'Boobs & Brass'. Tickets for this event had sold out with all the funds raised going to Breast Cancer Research4BR

Congratulations

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Brighouse would like to congratulate Jonathan after finishing runner up at the recent British Open Intermediate Solo Championship."

Jonathan's father Graham's watchful eye will not be too far away as he also joins Brighouse on percussion.

The trombone section has also been strengthened with the signings of former YBS bass trombone, Tony Robertson and Steve March on 2nd trombone from Grimethorpe.

Returns

Meanwhile, sop star Martin Irwin, returns after a break due to work commitments in London, whilst, Matthew Gledhill returns as Assistant Principal Cornet after a successful stint with Hepworth.

All new signings were on display at last weekend's concert in Kettering with the girls of 'Boobs & Brass'. Tickets for this event had sold out with all the funds raised going to Breast Cancer Research.

CD release

This event saw the release of 'Whatever It Takes', a solo album from B&R's flugal player John Lee.

John's self-funded album was recorded with 'Boobs & Brass' last month and is now available through 4BR.

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    


sage

Result: 2026 Brass in Concert Championship

November 14 • the cooperation band retains the premier entertainment title in Gateshead


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd