*
banner

New faces at Freckleton

The newly crowned North West Area champion welcomes plenty of new faces to the ranks.

Freckleton
 

The 2010 North West Area First Section champion, Freckleton has welcomed several new players to the band.

Grand Shield

Joining in time for their appearance at the Grand Shield contest in Blackpool are cornet player Stuart Bateson, Rebecca Stead on trombone and Chris Ratchford on flugel.

Stuart previously played with both Wingates and Foden's and joins the
front row cornet bench, whilst Becky joins on second trombone having been solo trombone at Longridge for many years.

Chris joins from Coppull and Standish having previously played with Wingates, Pemberton and Haydock.

The band hopes they enjoy this exciting time with the Grand Shield, an appearance with Doug Yeo and the Natural State Brass Band (USA), and the National Finals all approaching fastAndy Cattanach

Exciting

Band Chairman Andy Cattanach told 4BR: "The band hopes they enjoy this exciting time with the Grand Shield, an appearance with Doug Yeo and the Natural State Brass Band (USA), and the National Finals all approaching fast."

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    


British Open

Spring Festival hotel deals available direct

May 16 • The British Open organisers are working with leading hotels in Birmingham to see them offer 2026 Spring Festival competitors exclusive deals.


bRITISH oPEN

British Open tickets on sale

May 16 • The box office will open at 10.00am on Friday 16th May for tickets for the 171st British Open Championship.


Open test

Study scores now available for Open test-piece

May 16 • If you want to make sure you have a better idea about what will be heard at Symphony Hall you can get your hands on a study score now.


Linz

Linz to welcome Euros in 2026

May 16 • The European Championships will return to Linz in 2026 — with tickets going on sale in October.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player, maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd