*
banner

Ironbridge set to gorge on brass

The historic Ironbridge Museum of Iron is set to enjoy a festival of brass.

Ironbridge
 

Organisers of the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival have announced details of their 2011 plans and have told 4BR that they at the event will be better than ever.

Free festival

The free two-day festival, takes place on the weekend of the 16th/17th July outside the Museum of Iron in the historic area of Coalbrookdale.

15 bands will be playing while Festivalgoers enjoy picnics in the beautiful surroundings. Refreshments will also be available to buy on site and the event will feature a licensed bar.

Proms

The event also features a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert in aid of Severn Hospice, which will also be held in the grounds of the Museum. For the last two years the Proms has taken place at the Engine Hall of Enginuity.

The Proms concert is electrifying and this year it will be even better. The Museum lawns are a beautiful spot and provide an ideal positionFestival Secretary, Sue Palmer

Beautiful

Sue Palmer, Festival Secretary, told 4BR: "The Proms concert is electrifying and this year it will be even better. The Museum lawns are a beautiful spot and provide an ideal position.

I have always wanted to do the Proms out there so it is a real dream come true. To see everyone standing up, waving their flags, singing and having a fantastic time, it’s just brilliant."

New work

This year the Proms concert also has the honour of hosting the premiere of a new piece of music by Shrewsbury-based composer Matthew Hall, commissioned as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Ironbridge becoming a World Heritage Site.

Matthew told 4BR: "It’s a real honour to be involved with the celebrations. The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival is held in high regard by brass band aficionados and by those who simply enjoy a great day out."

All of the bands involved in the Festival play for free, giving the event a unique atmosphere.

Impressive line up

Sue added: "The musicians never hear other bands play as they are normally in competition with each other. To sit with a pint and listen to the other bands is great fun for them.

It’s a very impressive line-up and it’s great that it’s a mixture of youth and prestigious adult bands. There is a really diverse range of music, which just adds to the fun."

The event also features a set from Festival Brass, a unique band formed for a single performance each year.

Bigger and bigger

Sue explained: "Festival Brass started because we had a space one year, rather than having a gap. It’s got bigger and bigger and now anyone from any band can play. Last year we had so many of them they were falling off the stage. It’s a real highlight of the weekend."

More information

More information on the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival and the Last Night of the Proms concert can be found on the event website at www.ironbridgebandfestival.co.uk

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd