*
banner

Co-op join Stoke legends to celebrate Potters 150th

Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West take to the musical pitch with the great Gordon Banks and Geoff Hurst.

Co-op at the Britannia
 

The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West recently helped Stoke City Football Club celebrate its 150th anniversary at their final home match of the season.

Premiership

Performing outside the Britannia Stadium in the pre-match build-up, a carnival atmosphere prevailed as the ‘Potters’ fans gathered to listen to the band perform, as well as celebrate securing another season of Premiership football.

With the fans in party mood, the occasion included a parade of Stoke City’s legendary former players, including 1966 World Cup winners Sir Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks.

Unfortunately, Stoke’s football royalty laughed and declined my offer, but it was a great honour to meet them, and they were clearly having a great day outAlan Smart

Pitch side

The band then moved centre-stage by the team dug-outs, as footballers from Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur warmed up prior to kick-off.

As the footballs flew by, there was a roar of appreciation from the 27,000 capacity crowd to greet the band playing the Tom Jones classic, ‘Delilah’ — a favourite usually sung to the fan’s own words.

Banks and Hurst

The band was applauded off the pitch by the crowd, and Band Manager Alan Smart even offered Gordon Banks and Sir Geoff Hurst a go at playing his tuba!

Alan said; "Unfortunately, Stoke’s football royalty laughed and declined my offer, but it was a great honour to meet them, and they were clearly having a great day out."

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd