*
banner

On a wing and a prayer for Foresters Brass

This is a Brass the Baton relay like no other...

Foresters
 

A bird of prey will take centre stage at a 'Brass the Baton' relay event this weekend.

Leicester based Foresters Brass 2000 will be playing their part in the grounds Oakham Castle on Sunday, where the idea of having the bird of prey swoop down, grasp the baton in its talons, and then fly off over the audience will take place.

Nervous

Foresters’ MD Peter Collins is understandably a bit nervous as he told 4BR:

"Too right I’m rather nervous! However experts from the Rutland Falconry Centre will be on stage to look after me and luckily I have another baton to conduct the rest of the concert. We’re really delighted to be involved in this project though – it’ll be part of what promises to be a fantastic evening of live music."

Too right I’m rather nervous! However experts from the Rutland Falconry Centre will be on stage to look after me and luckily I have another baton to conduct the rest of the concertMD, Peter Collins

Passed on

The baton is being brought to the event by players from Coleshill Town Band, with the next port at Andover Town Band.

Chairman Dan Baker told 4BR: "We’re also playing a specially commissioned piece of music as the baton vanishes into the distance.

Rutland Falconry Centre will of course return the baton to us, and we’ll then transport it via more conventional means to Andover! We’re not expecting the falcon to actually fly with the baton all the way there!"

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    


Bursary

National Youth Band launches 2027 Bursary Fund

September 29 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is calling on supporters to help raise £18,000 for its 2027 Bursary Fund.


Gavin Higgins

Higgins pride at presidential role at Tredegar

September 29 • Composer Gavin Higgins has become the proud new President of Tredegar Band.


Hepworth

Hepworth road to Albert Hall helped by great support

September 29 • The Yorkshire Champion has been aided on the road to the National Final by a raft of great local supporters.


MangerBrasswinds

Contemporary legacy continues at BrassWind Festival

September 29 • The 22nd BrassWind Festival once again showcased the new and original works.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone . .


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd