*
banner

Northop youngsters gain their Blue Peter Badge

The young players of Northop Youth Band have gained their famous Blue Peter Badge by helping celebrate Christmas on the famous children's programme.

Northop with Barney
 

Northop Youth Band has made sure it has gained a famous ‘Blue Peter Badge’ after the youngsters headed to Manchester to be filmed taking part in the programme’s Christmas Special programme.

Carol playing

Broadcast on Thursday 19th December, the 30 players were invited by the BBC along with the choir of Birkenhead Girls choir and the Salvation Army to perform the carol ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’.

MD Dave Davies told 4BR that it proved to be a fantastic experience and opportunity for the band whose ages range from 9 to 17.

The band arrived at the BBC in Manchester to spend a day rehearsing and recording, finally leaving at 6.30pm.

Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood spent the day with Northop earlier on in the year when he was set a challenge to play the trombone, and was delighted to meet up with them again at the studio4BR

Presenter

Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood spent the day with Northop earlier on in the year when he was set a challenge to play the trombone, and was delighted to meet up with them again at the studio.

The performance was conducted by former Northop player Paul Mealor who now is Professor of Music at Aberdeen University.

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    


wobplayeuros

Get ready to enjoy the European experience with Wobplay

April 22 • There will be day after day of fantastic coverage from the 2026 European Championships thanks to World of Brass and wobplay. So why not just sign up, relax and enjoy...


Adams

Adams link with Percussi Aeris duo

April 22 • Scottish duo Paula O'Malley and Chris Flynn have become Adams artists as company strengthens links to banding world.


BBE Brass Band Week

Brass Band Week and Proms in Playground campaigns launched

April 22 • There are fantastic opportunities to reach out to new audiences as part of Brass Band England's Summer initiatives.


Livestream

Spring Festival and Open streaming details confirmed

April 22 • You can now sign up ahead of the 104th British Open Spring Festival to ensure you don't miss a single note of the action.


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


Bedworth Brass

April 22 • Bedworth Brass 1st Section require a Musical Director. Can you inspire and plan interesting and enjoyable rehearsals? Select concert programmes and own choice test pieces that engage both the band and audiences? If you can then we want to hear from you.


Longridge Band

April 21 • Longridge Band (North West, First Section) invite applications for the position of PRINCIPAL CORNET. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd