*
banner

Foden's overwhlemed by congratulations

The historic Double has brought congratulations from all over the banding world for Foden's — and a huge boost in profile.

Fodens in action
 

The Foden’s Band has been inundated with literally hundreds of letters, e-mails, text messages and good old fashioned congratulation cards from all over the banding world following their historic ‘Double’ triumph at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday.

Huge boost

The band has since enjoyed a huge boost to their public profile too, with an appearance on their prime time regional news programme in the North West as well as requests for radio interviews and newspaper features.

Principal cornet Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "Everyone associated with Foden’s would like to thank the hundreds of fellow players, bands and supporters from all around the world who have contacted us with their congratulations following our victory on the weekend.

It is very much appreciated and shows just what support we have all around the world.”

Hard to describe

He added: "We have been overwhelmed by messages and inundated with calls from radio, television and newspapers. It’s hard to describe how the band members feel at present, but we are all extremely proud that we have been able to add something to the truly unique history of the Foden’s Band."

It’s hard to describe how the band members feel at present, but we are all extremely proud that we have been able to add something to the truly unique history of the Foden’s BandMark Wilkinson

Thanks

He concluded: "We would like to thank Mike Fowles for his amazing preparation work for both the British Open and the National Finals as well of course to Allan Withington for his inspirational leadership."

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    


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts flugel role with Grimethorpe

September 5 • Kirsty Abbotts is the new flugel horn player at Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd