*
banner

Westacott takes first conducting role

Former Grimethorpe principal cornet takes the baton at Slaithwaite.

Slaithwaite
 

The Slaithwaite Band has announced the appointment of Rob Westacott as their new MD.

The appointment at the Yorkshire band follows the recent departure of former MD Tabby Clegg in June.

Most respected

One of the most respected cornet players of his generation, Rob will take up his first senior conducting role following a highly successful playing career that included tenures as principal cornet at Grimethorpe, Brighouse & Rastrick, Tredegar and Hepworth, as well as a recent second spell as assistant principal cornet at Black Dyke.

He has been a cornet tutor for the National Children’s Band of Great Britain and Yorkshire Youth Band and has assisted regular MD’s of several other bands in contest preparation and sectionals.

Opportunity

Rob told 4BR: "I’m really grateful that the band has given me this opportunity to begin my conducting career. I look forward to a successful partnership, even though our first concert is on Friday 13th later this month!"

He brings with him a wealth of talent and experience which can only be beneficial to the future development of SlaithwaiteBand Manager, Andrew Booth

Talent

Band Manager, Andrew Booth added: "Following a long selection process, the band is thrilled to welcome Rob into the fold. He brings with him a wealth of talent and experience which can only be beneficial to the future development of Slaithwaite."

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    


ConsTest

Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • WHIT FRIDAY MORNING - all players welcome.. . Experience Whit Friday morning in the Mossley Whit Walks from 9am on 29 May, with food and drink at the Yorkshire Ward after the march.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd