*
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    


Linz

Result: 2026 European Youth Championships Premier Section

April 26 • Premier delight for Hordaland Ungdomsbrassband as Norway reigns supreme in Linz.


Linz

Result: 2026 European Youth Championships Development Section

April 26 • Its a Norwegian one and two as the title is claimed by Smoras Skolemusikk.


Flowers

Result: 2026 European Championships Championship Section

April 25 • History is made as Flowers Band are crowned Champions of Europe on their contest debut.


Linz

Result: 2026 European Championships Challenge Section

April 25 • Brass Band Wipptal claims the honours and takes the title back to Italy.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd