*
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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Black Dyke Band

Tributes to Hammonds duo at Black Dyke

October 2 • The Black Dyke Band has paid tribute to Jon and Tim Hammond as they prepare to take their final contest bow with the Queensbury Band this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.

Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd