*
banner

Stanshawe reunion is on

The reunion concert of the former British Open Champion is on — led by former MD, Roy Newsome.

Stanshawe
 

Following months of hard work, the organisers of the Sun Life Stanshawe Reunion concert, have released confirmed ticket details, the band line-up, and programme to be performed.

Sun Life support

The concert, which will take place on Saturday 5th June is being held at St Georges, Brandon Hill, Bristol, and has attracted support from the bands once sponsor Sun Life.

The concert will be directed by Dr Roy Newsome, and will feature some of the band’s former soloists, including the Lyndon Baglin, Kevin Robbins, Steve Walkley and Phil Randell.

Programme

All the music being performed has a close association with the band, and it’s conductors, with arrangements by Walter Hargreaves, Geoffrey Brand, and of course Roy Newsome being featured.

In addition a premiere of a new commission called 'Reunion', written by Philip Harper.

Interest

The organisers Alistair Woodman and Jon Griffin told 4BR: "We have been overwhelmed by the interest. We were always confident that we would attract enough former players to perform, but the line up has exceeded even our expectations. The audience can look forward to a musical walk down memory lane, with some truly great music from the whole of the band's history."

4BR understands that over 200 tickets were sold for the concert in the first few days and those interested should order at: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk or via St Georges Box office on 0845 40 24 001.

One ex-member will be travelling over 10,000 miles to perform at the concert. Gavin Baker, currently 2nd baritone with the Trusts Waitakere Brass in Auckland , New Zealand, was a member of the Stanshawe band from early 1972 until February 1976 when Walter Hargreaves was its professional conductor.

Gavin told 4BR: "I enjoyed considerable success with Stanshawe, and when I moved to New Zealand I never imagined that that 34 years later I would get the opportunity to once again play alongside some of my friends in this wonderful band."

Recording

The concert will be recorded by KMJ Recordings, who have donated their services for free.

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

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd