*
banner

Olympic theme for youth

The youth bands of Wigan, Bolton and Astley recently celebrated their musical links with an Olympic theme.

Olympic flag
 

The Royal Northern College of Music recently resounded to the sound of brass, when more than 100 young musicians from Wigan, Bolton and Astley Youth Bands took to the stage to perform in a special Olympic themed gala concert.

Links

Since 2002, David Little, Helen Minshall and Toby Hobson have organised a successful joint annual concert which promotes on-going links between their bands.

Thanks to funding of £1214 from Wigan Council’s Cultural Partnership, this year’s event was a great success.

Once in a lifetime

Gill David, Interim Chairperson of the Cultural Partnership told 4BR: "This is about encouraging, promoting and enjoying what will be a once in a lifetime event. We want communities across the borough to come up with as many fantastic and fun ways they can think of to enjoy the spirit of London 2012."

This year the bands paid tribute to Roy Newsome, with a moving performance of ‘There is a Green Hill Far Away’ in the presence of VIP guests Murial Newsome, and son, Neil4BR

Enjoyed

This was certainly achieved with the event, with an outstanding performance which was thoroughly enjoyed by players and audience alike.

Traditionally each band performs a 20 minute programme, and there is always a massed band finale of 3 items.

Tribute

This year the bands paid tribute to Roy Newsome, with a moving performance of ‘There is a Green Hill Far Away’ in the presence of VIP guests Murial Newsome, and son, Neil.

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


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


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd