*
banner

Skipton on the road back

After more than a decade away, Skipton Brass has pencilled in a return to the contesting arena in 2013 after rebuilding with long term aims and objectives.

Skipton Brass
 

From humble beginnings back in the 1870s as Jack Guy’s Skipton Mission Band, and after plenty of difficulties over the years, a rejuvenated Skipton Brass is now looking forward to a rosy future.

Fruit

In the early 1980s the band was playing at Championship Section level, but following a collapse in player numbers in the early part of the Millennium they decided to make plans for a long term recovery – and that hard work is now starting to bear fruit.

The appointment of MD Adrian Lowes last year has brought a return of confidence, enthusiasm and players back to the new rehearsal facility at Aireville School in Skipton, whilst following a proactive media campaign the band has once again become a major musical focal point of the area.

I’m very privileged to be working with such a team of enthusiastic players and a forward looking committee. We now have big plans for developing brass music in Skipton and the surrounding areasMD ,Adrian Lowes

Big plans

Adrian told 4BR: "I’m very privileged to be working with such a team of enthusiastic players and a forward looking committee. We now have big plans for developing brass music in Skipton and the surrounding areas."

He added: "Those plans have seen the start of a partnership with the local school music department, which will help safeguard our future and increase interest amongst the young people of the town in our exciting and fulfilling musical tradition."

Darlington return

The band now hopes to return to competition too for the first time in 12 years, and has pencilled in the North of England Area contest in Darlington next year as their target.

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    


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd