*
banner

Sykes set for trip to Abergavenny

Steve Sykes will be enjoying a few trips down to Abergavenny next year — and hoping the musical weather will be fine too.

Sykes
 

Abergavenny Borough Band has announced that Steve Sykes is to take the band to the Welsh Regional contest in Swansea next year.

Sabbatical

This follows an agreement between the band and its resident MD, Gareth Ritter for a temporary sabbatical in order for him to take his other band, City of Cardiff to the same competition.

Excited

Band Chairman, Andrew Richards told 4BR: "Gareth is a very successful conductor and has worked hard in developing both bands. Obviously he can’t take us both to the contest so we have agreed for him to have a short break from Abergavenny."

He added: "He will still remain our resident MD and will return to the Band following the competition. The band is very excited about working with Steve again."

This has been a very difficult decision for us all but I’m really pleased that the band has engaged Steve for the Swansea contestGareth Ritter

Difficult

Meanwhile Gareth Ritter added: "This has been a very difficult decision for us all but I’m really pleased that the band has engaged Steve for the Swansea contest. Steve and I will be working together in the new year to prepare the band."

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    


Cory Band

Cory to add another Cornerstone to series

June 28 • Another series of seminal works are being recorded by the Brass in Concert Champion for a major CD release.


Storm

Young composers inspired by Shipping Forecast

June 28 • Two talented young composers have won the 'New Sailing Sounds' national competition with works inspired by the famous BBC Shipping Forecast.


ALEX

Police pay tribute to Armed Forces

June 28 • The South Wales Police Band has played its part in the annual Weymouth Armed Force Festival.


Brass BANSD nOERTHERN iRELAND

New National Youth Band to be formed in Northern Ireland

June 27 • Brass Bands Northern Ireland announce intention to form a National Youth Brass Band.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd