*
banner

Silver for Brass

Philip Hunt's programme reaches a significant landmark next month — notching up 25 years of great brass band music making.

Hunt
 

The Sounds of Brass programme, which will be broadcast Sunday 5th September, will mark 25 years to the day that Phillip Hunt first broadcast the weekly series.

25 years

First broadcast in 1985 on BBC Radio Devon, the programme is now carried by 9 BBC local radio stations in the West of England, as well as worldwide on the BBC iPlayer — and 25 years later it is still presented and produced by Phillip.

Live band

To mark the silver anniversary, Phillip will be joined on the lawn of Broadcasting House in Plymouth by St Austell Band, conducted by Aaron Harvey, for a special broadcast — the first time that a band has been featured 'live' on the programme.

They will be joined by vocalist Alison Harvey, whose beautiful soprano voice is already well known to Sounds of Brass’s many regular listeners.

The aim of the programme has always been to appeal to a wide range of listeners, not just banding enthusiasts, by playing what Philip calls, 'tuneful and familiar music'4BR

Delighted

Speaking on behalf of St Austell Band, Band Manager Rob Faro told 4BR: "We are delighted to accept the invitation to join Phillip and the BBC in celebrating the 25th anniversary. It will be a great honour to support Phillip, who for the past 25 years has promoted the brass band movement in the South West with his radio show which most of the band have grown up listening to on a Sunday evening."

Appeal

The aim of the programme has always been to appeal to a wide range of listeners, not just banding enthusiasts, by playing what Philip calls, 'tuneful and familiar music'.

The mix has been well received over the years and with the continued support of the BBC, the listeners, and the Bands, 'Sounds of Brass' hopes to be on the air for a long time to come.

SOUNDS OF BRASS:

BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO BRISTOL, CORNWALL, DEVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GUERNSEY, JERSEY, SOMERSET SOUND, SWINDON & WILTSHIRE EVERY SUNDAY EVENING @ 5 PAST 7

PRODUCED AND PRESENTED WEEKLY BY PHILLIP HUNT.

AVAILABLE LIVE AND LISTEN AGAIN EVERY WEEK ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB.

Live on Sundays at 19-05 British Time or at any time for 7 DAYS after the Broadcast. To hear this week’s programme instantly go to www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio scroll down to Local Radio and click on BBC Devon or click on this direct link NOW.

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd