*
banner

Grimethorpe announce BiC changes

A trio of experienced hands come in to strengthen Grimethorpe's Brass in Concert defence.

gIRMEY
 

Reigning Brass in Concert champions have announced that they have strengthened their ranks ahead of their title defence in Gateshead on the weekend – as well as having to bring in a change of conductor.

Ill health

Unfortunately, due to ill health Brian Grant has had to step down from conducting duties and will be replaced by Sandy Smith for the contest. The band has wished Brian a speedy recovery, but has thanked Sandy for taking over the reins.

Top duo

Meanwhile, the band has been busy picking up two highly experienced players in time for their title defence.

Percussion star Gavin Pritchard joins from Woodfalls Band, whilst the Simon Gresswell has agreed to come in on Bb tuba from National Champion, Brighouse & Rastrick.

Delighted

Sandy Smith told 4BR: "We are delighted that Gavin has signed for the band and also that Simon accepted our offer to help out. Both are fantastic players who are massively experienced and successful."

Speedy recovery

Band spokesperson Gareth Crane added: "Our best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Brian, who has been superb in preparing the band for the contest. We are fortunate that Sandy is on hand to come in, so any disruption has been kept to a minimum."

He added: "We really couldn’t have wished for two better players to come in ahead of our preparations for Brass in Concert either. The band love performing here and were really looking forward to defending our title."

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    


Ask daisy

New campaign launched to support women in banding

March 8 • International Womens' Day sees the launch of 'Ask Daisy', an initiative that aims to support women in UK brass bands experiencing harassment and abuse.


Perth Concert Hall

Results: 2025 Scottish Championships

March 8 • Whitburn leads the way in Perth with section wins for Granite City, Perthshire Brass, Renfrew Burgh and Arbroath & Carnoustie.


Bedworth

Results: 2025 Midlands Regional Championships

March 8 • GUS lead the prizes winners in Bedworth with section victories to Foss Dyke, Ibstock Brick Brass and Syston.


Torquay

Results: 2025 West of England Regional Championships

March 8 • Aldbourne lead the way in Torquay with section titles going to Roche Brass, Porthleven, Bratton Silver and Illogan Sparnon Silver.


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Saturday 8 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Upton Vale Baptist Church, St Marychurch Road, Caste Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High St, Bedworth CV12 8NF


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Sunday 9 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Chinnor Silver

March 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet every other monday morning(nxt one this monday) and we are looking for CORNET PLAYERS to join us.. you do not need to change your affiliation as we just offer free fun music making with cake and coffee thrown in.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

March 8 • Wakefield Metropolitan are looking for Bass player and percussionist to help the band move forward after a promising area performance


Ilkeston Brass

March 7 • Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band based in the SE of Derbyshire. We are looking for cornet players to continue our long heritage of brass banding. Cornet seat negotiable!


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd