*
banner

Terror from Australia!

National specialist Dean Morley is set to fly into the UK from Australia to make his annual Albert Hall appearance. Local pubs are on red alert...

Morley
 

Desford Colliery Band will be receiving a little help from Australia at this year's National Final, when ex-pat Dean Morley jets in from Brisbane to join them for their Albert Hall assault.

Four wins

Dean was part of the original Desford Band that won four National titles in sucession 20 years ago, and is looking forward to playing again at a venue that holds so many great personal memories.

There will also be something of a Grimethorpe connection too as Dean will be reunited with former Grimey stars Gary Proctor, Phil Fox, Simon Kingsley and Geraint Griffiths, as well as ex-Grimethorpe conductor Garry Cutt.

The test piece at the Nationals this year is about Australia, so why not have a lucky charm from down under to help us in our attempt to bring the cup back to Desford!Chairman, Peter Smith

Lucky charm

Band chairman Peter Smith told 4BR: "The test piece at the Nationals this year is about Australia, so why not have a lucky charm from down under to help us in our attempt to bring the cup back to Desford!"

4BR has also been informed that due to his appearance, takings at The Goat public house near to the Albert Hall are expected to to be at an all time high, with extra bar staff hired to deal with the increase in demand...

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    


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd