*
banner

Holdgate steps into Whitwell breach

Kevin Holdgate has stepped in at short notice to ensure Whitwell Brass take to the Butlins stage.

Whitwell logo
 

4BR has been informed that following the sudden illness of MD Alan Needham, Whitwell Brass have announced that they will be competing at the forthcoming Butlins Mineworkers Championship after Kevin Holdgate kindly stepped in at short notice to conduct the band.

Recovering

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Alan is now recovering following an operation, and we would like to publicly thank Kevin for standing in at such short notice.

We are very appreciative of this genuine act of friendship and true bandsmanship."

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    


York Barbican

National Finals to move to York

February 27 • The Section 1-4 National Finals will be held York Barbican this year as the contest heads north from Cheltenham.


Norwegain

11 bands face potential Norwegian national relegation

February 27 • Bands that failed to pay their annual NMF membership fee on time could find themselves relegated to the bottom tier of their National Championship.


French National Championships

French bands prepare for National challenges

February 27 • The 2026 French National Championships take place in Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy this weekend.


ISM

ISM to host Make Music Work conference day

February 27 • If you want to find out how to make a sustainable career in the music industry then get along to the ISM 'Make Music Work' conference day in London in April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd