*
banner

Torbay issue Christmas challenge

It had to come to this — which band can get out on the streets playing Christmas carols first...

Christmas
 

The news reported on 4BR that the City of Bristol Band had perhaps become the first band in the world to start Christmas carolling has led to something of a challenge from Torbay Band.

Record

Chairman David Wilkinson told 4BR: "Congratulations to City of Bristol for their early one day start to carolling this year. However, we here at Torbay still believe that we hold the record for the earliest official start to Christmas playing and the longest time spent carolling."

Earlier

He added: "We have asked before if any other bands start earlier than us and finish later but to date no one has been able to beat us.

We used to start in September but we now start the first week of October and go through to the 31st December, whilst our street carol playing starts at the end of November and finishes on Christmas Eve."

We have asked before if any other bands start earlier than us and finish later but to date no one has been able to beat usDavid Wilkinson

Challenge

With a dollop of early festive pride he added: "So is there any other band out there that can better that?"

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    


Easher Austin

Triomphale world premiere at National Children's Band concert

July 31 • 14 year old Easher Austin's 'Marche Triomphale' is to be given its world premiere by the National Children's Band of Great Britain on Friday — with a few tickets left to hear it.


Newstead

Talented Blythe spirit takes principal lead at Newstead

July 31 • Noah Blythe has been appointed the new principal cornet at Newstead Brass.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

July 31 • From the Underworld to Plymouth Hoe and more with Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge this weekend.


wobplay

New additions to Wobplay releases

July 30 • A premiere release from the International Staff Band is joined by classic Cory, memories of the Masters and and Edward Gregson greatest hits.


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Otley Brass Association

July 31 • Front Row/Solo Cornet. . . An exciting opportunity has arisen for new front row/ solo cornet players to join our friendly non-contesting band. We practice every Tuesday evening 7.30-9.45pm at Otley Courthouse, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3AN


Hathersage Band

July 30 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Alder Valley Brass

July 30 • We are looking for a front row cornet player to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023). We have a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd