*
banner

Garforth revived after 4BR spotlight

A never say die attitude and great long terms plans attract new players to Garforth Brass.

Garforth
 

After their story was highlighted on 4BR which showed the ‘never say die’ attitude of Garforth Brass, the Yorkshire band has reported that their well publicised desire to work towards a long term sustainable future has proved a clarion call to enthusiastic, committed players.

Welcome signings

Now the band has reported that they have welcomed a number of new faces to the band — led by the vastly experienced Alun Perry on principal cornet.

He has been joined by seasoned trumpet jazz musician Tom Lilley as ‘bumper-up’ who is now loving his new found involvement in the brass band environment.

The back row cornets are boosted by Lisa Thorpe, whilst the solo horn and first horn seats has been filled by Emma Binns and Sam Watson.

Troms and lower brass

Liz Edwards joins from Haworth Brass on solo euphonium and is joined by Adrian Longbottom.

The trombone section see the welcome signing of principal Nick Crawley, first trombone Sam Hughes and bass trombone Richard Jones.

The bass section is added to by solo EEb tuba Steve Hayward, whilst the percussion section welcomes brothers Jake and Jack Manktelow.

From the abyss

MD, Mark Wildie told 4BR: "From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracle — and it has all come about after our plight, our determination and our well thought out future plans were publicised on 4BR."

From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracleMD, Mark Wildie

Fantastic job

He added: "Band Manager Christine Keith has done a fantastic job sometimes working through the night to bring in the players, and it is brilliant that we have the right players who come to us because they love to play brass band music in a wonderful, hard working brass band atmosphere."

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    


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd