*
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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd