*
banner

Brass the Baton inspires more bands

The Olympic themed Brass the Baton is gaining a great response from the banding movement.

Brass the Baton
 

'Brass The Baton', the only London 2012 Cultural Olympiad project that has been designed specifically for brass bands is gaining a great response according to BFBB Project Director Terry Luddington.

Pleased

He told 4BR: "We're really pleased with the response so far and in particular the variety of organisations that are getting involved. We have brass bands and ensembles of all sizes and abilities signed up from school bands to massed bands, festivals and even a whole county!"

All parts of UK

Terry added: "We now have participants from most of the UK with our conductor’s batons set to relay to the Moray Firth to Redruth, Cromer to Port Erin."

Progress can be seen at: www.brassthebaton.com website with an interactive map of the growing list of events, dates and participants.

Terry concluded: "There’s still time for bands across the country to get involved, please just email, help@brassthebaton.com for an application form.”

We have brass bands and ensembles of all sizes and abilities signed up from school bands to massed bands, festivals and even a whole countyTerry Luddington

Take part

To take part each you are required to perform one of the 5 versions of the new music commission ‘Going The Distance’ by Paul Lovatt-Cooper and arrange for their conductor’s baton to be passed on to the next band in the relay.

The only essential requirement terry added is that you have fun in the process.

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    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd