*
banner

Heist delight at recent success

Brass Band Heist has been delighted with their win at the Flemish Open

Heist
 

The fast rising Brass Band Heist has had plenty to celebrate of late wfollowing their recent win at the Flemish Open.

Not a one off

For MD Bert Van Thienen, the clear victory gives him confidence that the win at the nationals wasn't a one off.

He told 4BR: "The band played extremely well and with a piece such as 'Lac Léman' the musicians expanded their boundaries. For some of the new younger players it was the ideal venue to get used to play under pressure on a contest stage."

The band played extremely well and with a piece such as 'Lac Léman' the musicians expanded their boundaries. For some of the new younger players it was the ideal venue to get used to play under pressure on a contest stageBert Van Thienen

Thanks

Bert was also thankful for the help of Cory trombone star Christopher Thomas who despite the recent volcanic ash cloud, made it to Mechelen in time. Chris and Cory MD, Bob Childs drove from South Wales to Mechelen to arrive just in time for the contest (Bob adjudicated at the event). "They arrived just in time!" Bert added.

The band still has a concert to complete the season, and is looking forward to the summer break. From September they will then start their preparations for their debut in the top section of the Belgian Nationals.

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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


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


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


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.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd