*
banner

Brighouse welcome first female player

National Champions end 130 years of male only history by welcoming Laura Hirst to the ranks.

Brighouse
 

It has been announced this morning that the National & Yorkshire Champion, Brighouse & Rastrick has made the historic decision to welcome the first female player into their ranks.

Milestone

The announcement stated: "Laura’s appointment is an historic milestone for Brighouse & Rastrick, probably the most famous brass band in the world, as Laura is the first female to ever be offered a permanent position in the band."

Boys Only Club

Band president Paul Beaumont commented: "Laura is an extremely talented cornet player and we are very pleased to welcome her to the band, which I must admit was previously seen as a ‘Boys Only Club’.

Although Brighouse & Rastrick dates back to 1881 and has a long history of tradition, the band recognise the need to move with the times and we are delighted that talent such as Laura’s will be part our band."

There is a high level of very talented female musicians so although Laura is the first, it is doubtful that she will hold that position for long as there are bound to be other female musicians queuing up to join herPaul Beaumont

More to come

It would appear that the decision to finally open the doors to the ‘Boys Only Club’ may well see Brighouse welcome more female players to their ranks, as Paul added.

"There is a high level of very talented female musicians so although Laura is the first, it is doubtful that she will hold that position for long as there are bound to be other female musicians queuing up to join her."

Shameful tradition

The decision by Brighouse & Rastrick is seen by many people as a long overdue end to one of the brass band movements more shameful ‘traditions’ – the implicit exclusion of female players from leading bands.

Over the past 15 years, previously traditional bastions of male dominance such as Foden’s, Black Dyke, Cory, Fairey, and most recently Grimethorpe have all accepted the need for change and have welcomed ever increasing numbers of talented female performers into their ranks.

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    


Pride Brass

Pride in Brass in Manchester

August 1 • The UK's bold and brilliant LGBTQ+ brass band needs a bit of help to fill the streets of Manchester with musical pride this month.


Red Admiral

Youth and experience as Red Admiral judges announced

August 1 • The judges for the Red Admiral Entertainment contest have been announced with the chance for youngsters to be a part of the decision making process too.


Elgar Course

Elgar course rounds off with Gala Concert

August 1 • A full week of brass banding at the Elgar International Brass Band Summer School rounds off tonight in Bromsgrove School.


Easher Austin

Triomphale world premiere at National Children's Band concert

July 31 • 14 year old Easher Austin's 'Marche Triomphale' is to be given its world premiere by the National Children's Band of Great Britain on Friday — with a few tickets left to hear it.


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Usk Brass Band

August 1 • After a successful promotion to 1st section, Usk Brass Band are looking to fill the positions of assistant principal cornet, back row and drum kit. We rehearse on a Tuesday evening in our band room in the heart of Usk and guarantee you a warm welcome!


Croy Silver Band

August 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but always welcomes enquiries for any section of the band.


Otley Brass Association

July 31 • Front Row/Solo Cornet. . . An exciting opportunity has arisen for new front row/ solo cornet players to join our friendly non-contesting band. We practice every Tuesday evening 7.30-9.45pm at Otley Courthouse, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3AN


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd