*
banner

Council reveal towering ambitions

Winter Gardens may become a council attraction for future brass bands.

Winter Gardens
 

It has been revealed that the future of Blackpool’s famous Tower and its Winter Gardens, the venue for the North West Regional Championships and the Spring Festival contests, could be secured in the New Year.

£40 million

It has been reported that Blackpool Council is trying to buy the venues from Leisure Parcs (who until 2009 were sponsors of the Spring Festival contests) for the sum believed to be in the region of £40 million.

Opened in 1878, the Winter Gardens have been home to the Spring Festival since 2003 and the North West Regional Championships since 19864BR

Redevelop

Although Blackpool failed in its bid to be allowed to develop a ‘Super Casino’ it is hoped that if accepted, the council will seek to redevelop the Winter Gardens into an extensive shopping and leisure facility.

Opened in 1878, the Winter Gardens have been home to the Spring Festival since 2003 and the North West Regional Championships since 1986.

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    


King

Superbrass Saturday: Good King Wenceslas (trad. arr. Jock McKenzie)

November 21 • One of the most famous festive tunes of all is ready and waiting to be performed in a fantastic series of arrangements.


bbe

Rule changes to Youth Championships

November 21 • Brass Bands England announces rule changes to help competing bands at their National Youth Championship events in 2025 and 2026.


Zorro

Gramercy Music: The Mark of Zorro

November 21 • Time to leave your own 'Mark of Zorro' on audiences as Peter Graham's masked hero is now available to be enjoyed by all bands.


Youth and experience on competitive show in Perth

November 21 • The second weekend of competitive action at the Scottish Festival of Brass will take place in Perth on Saturday and Sunday.


Dobcross Silver Band - Wardle Anderson Brass Band

Sunday 24 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Festive favourites - Music for Christmas.

Saturday 14 December • St Mark's Church, Bilton, Rugby CV22 7LX


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

November 23 • Bb Cornet, Euphonium, Eb Bass and Percussion required to complete the line-up.. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill these few remaining seats.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 22 • Bilton Silver (Rugby) requires a cornet player to join our Championship Section band (Position negotiable). Under MD Brad Turnbull we have a varied programme of events. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Friday at 7-45pm in our own purpose built bandroom.


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 21 • Under the direction of David W Ashworth, we are making every effort to complete the rebuild of this very famous brass band. We require one kit and one tuned percussionists plus one Back Row Cornet to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd