*
banner

Lofthouse go mob handed in Leeds

It started with a street sweeper and a busker…

Lofthouse flash mob
 

Early Christmas shoppers in Briggate, Leeds were recently treated to a brass band ‘Flash Mob’ to launch BBC Radio Leeds’ ‘Week of Brass’.

Surprise

Lofthouse Band and their street sweeping conductor Andrew Whitaker appeared out of the crowds to burst into playing, surprising the shoppers with an impromptu 15 minutes of music before disappearing once more.

The event was organised by BBC Radio Leeds as part of a special ‘Week of Brass’ which finishes this Friday (22nd November).

Raise awareness

During the week station hopes to raise awareness of brass banding in West Yorkshire as well as looking at its decline of as a popular cultural past time in the region.

Lofthouse was invited to kick off the week by organising the flash mob, with some of their players interviewed live on air.

Their youngest member, Adam Richardson, aged 13, featured on the Breakfast Show talking about his banding commitments and experience, whilst MD Andrew Whitaker was also interviewed on the Mid Morning Show with the band’s very own stand-up comedian, Dan Watson.

Lofthouse was invited to kick off the week by organising the flash mob, with some of their players interviewed live on air4BR

Tune in

Tune in to BBC Radio Leeds (92.4FM) all week with more highlights from Lofthouse on Thursday 21st November at 7.20am when James Whitaker, principal cornet and Hannah Lees, principal, will be speaking live on air.

To see a video of the flash mob please click here: http://on.fb.me/I0NfAR

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    


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


mINING

Brass band mining heritage celebrated

January 21 • Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum for England can now enjoy finding out more about the long and proud connection between brass bands and the industry.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd