*
banner

Mead set for Cheltenham debut

Euph star steps into the conducting breach to help out Downton.

Downton
 

Downton Band members were recently shocked to hear that their long serving MD Roland Wright was involved in a motoring accident whilst on holiday in Greece.

Find conductor

The nature of the accident meant that with just a few weeks to go before the band’s appearance at the National Finals at Cheltenham, a conductor had to be found to take them on stage.

Steven literally moved heaven and earth to help us in our hour of need and it is now down to us to make the most of this unexpected opportunitySecretary, Danny Silver

Accepting challenge

Thankfully, Steven Mead, a long time friend of the band agreed without hesitation to help the West of England contenders out, and after a few hours checking his diary readily accepted the challenge of conducting them on the big day.

Heaven and earth

Band Secretary, Danny Silver summed it all up when speaking to 4BR:
"Steven literally moved heaven and earth to help us in our hour of need and it is now down to us to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.

We are all grateful to Steven for his kind offer. We really want to take this on and do our best as a tribute to Roland who has always been there for us!"

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

Free Open Day for next generation of National Youth players

March 13 • If you are aged 12 to 18 and want to find out more about what being on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is all about — then get along to their special Open Day this April.


Moore

RPS Awards to Moore, Wilson and Lloyd

March 13 • Trombone virtuoso Peter Moore, conductor John Wilson and trumpeter Matilda Lloyd are amongst the prize winners at the annual Royal Philharmonic Society Awards in London.


Brass bands

BBE to spearhead campaign for brass band UNESCO recognition

March 12 • Brass Bands England is hoping that people will help support the campaign to to get brass banding added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory.


ConsTest

ConsTest line-up confirmed as tickets go on sale

March 12 • 18 bands will showcase their own-choice selections at the ConsTest Contest at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire this year.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


North Somerset Community Brass

March 13 • We are looking to appoint an MD/Conductor for our keen and enthusiastic non contesting band.. .


Oxted Band

March 13 • CORNET & TROMBONE - Our friendly, ambitious band is looking for a Cornet player (position negotiable) and Trombonists (1st and Bass) to complete our line up for 2026. Led by MD Darrell Scholes, we have a wide range of engagements and events planned.


North Somerset Community Brass

March 13 • Cornet and bass players required. We are a fun and relaxed non contesting band and are looking to swell our numbers. Players of any instrument will be very warmly welcomed, but we would really love some more cornets and basses (instruments available).


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd