*
banner

Thanks and unthanks for Brighouse

National champions enjoy critical acclaim for their Unthanks partnership.

Brighouse
 

National champions Brighouse & Rastrick is currently part way through their groundbreaking UK tour sharing the stage with the Mercury nominated Tyneside band The Unthanks.

Distinct style

The Unthank’s music carries forth the music of their heritage – the poignant tales of love and loss, violence and tenderness, drinking and dancing – in their own distinct style.

The tour commenced earlier this month when a capacity audience at Durham Cathedral heard their inaugural performance.

Combined

The Unthanks sang material from their past and current repertoire, with arrangements re-imagined and arranged specifically for performance by the duo by Sandy Smith.

Material was also especially written and arranged for the project by Adrian McNally.

The Unthanks sang material from their past and current repertoire, with arrangements re-imagined and arranged specifically for performance by the duo by Sandy Smith4BR

Standing ovation

At the end of the concert the entire audience gave the unique combination a standing ovation and rapturous applause that lasted for several minutes.

A second concert was held recently at London’s Barbican Centre, much to the delight of over 1600 people, whilst further events will take place in Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Northampton and Derby.

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    


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Elgar

January Area workshops on offer through Elgar International Brass Band Summer School

October 14 • Flowers MD Paul Holland and a leading team of tutors offer Area test-piece workshops ahead of 2027 tests.


John Packer

Death of John Packer

October 14 • The death has been announced of business founder and music industry leader John Packer.


Cory

Wobplay boost from National coverage

October 12 • The recording quality of the performances from York and London also proved to be a winner for World of Brass as well as Cory, Marsden Silver, Harborough, Allerton brass and Wardle Community...


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd