*
banner

Testing time in York

The young players of Test Valley Brass have just enjoyed a great time of it in York.

Test Valley Brass
 

The young members of Test Valley Brass have just returned from a successful tour of York.

Shivers

The band performed at the iconic York Minster, with Izzy Rutherford, principal cornet telling 4BR: "It was just amazing, the acoustics were just magical. It’s an experience I shall never forget, it really did send shivers down your spine."

Following their performance in the Minster the band played for two hours entertaining the crowd of tourists and locals.

Great crowds

MD Chris Sharp, commented: "It’s such a cosmopolitan city and draws in visitors from all over the world that we were permanently surrounded by a very appreciative crowd while we performed."

The band also performed an evening concert at the local All Saints Pavement Church, whilst to round off their trip the band made a detour to Alton Towers where they performed at the end of the main street in front of the lake.

It’s such a cosmopolitan city and draws in visitors from all over the world that we were permanently surrounded by a very appreciative crowd while we performedMD, Chris Sharp

Positive feedback

Laura Gerrard of Alton Towers told 4BR: "I have had great reports and guest’s feedback was positive."

In fact Alton Towers were so pleased with Test Valley Brass they have already contacted them and are looking at arranging future performances over their Christmas period.

And after a packed weekend of music making, there was just enough time for the young players to enjoy a few thrills on some of the amazing rides at the huge attraction, before heading home.

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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd