*
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    


Wilby

Wilby premiere in County Down

June 20 • Philip Wilby's 'Spring Requiem' will receive its world premiere performed by the Ulster Consort & Players.


Cooperation

Invisible presence for cooperation band in Orkney

June 20 • the cooperation band will perform Gabrieli's 'Invisible Symphony' as well as their Brass in Concert winning 'La Premier' as part of the St Magnus International Festival in Orkney.


Elland

Elland set for showcase six-pack spectacular

June 20 • Six ensembles from the Yorkshire band will take to the stage at Huddersfield Town Hall next month in a fantastic show of community led music making.


Band Supplies

Muted quartet set to help holiday treats

June 20 • Get a quartet of Champion cornet mutes from Band Supplies are you will save a few bob on those new sunglasses your always wanted for your hols...


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Saturday 20 June • The Community Church, Werter Road, Putney. SW15 2LL


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd