*
banner

Darwen delight at evolution success

Darwen Brass is celebrating their finest evolutionary success at Blackppol.

Darwen delight
 

Darwen Brass was another band equally delighted by their result at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on the weekend as they were crowned Third Section North West Regional Champion.

Confident

Their confident performance certainly impressed adjudicators John Roberts and Stephen Brodie, with the band also claiming the prize for the best percussion section to accompany the main trophy and cup for the winning conductor.

Over the moon

MD Steve Hartley told 4BR: "I’m absolutely over the moon with the result. We’ve only been in existence since 2007, and this is the culmination of seven years hard work and total commitment.

We have enjoyed lots of success on the contest stage, but to be crowned Regional Champion is so special. We enjoy a tremendous team ethic at Darwen and it has certainly paid dividends.

It’s great when those efforts are recognised by the adjudicators."

We enjoy a tremendous team ethic at Darwen and it has certainly paid dividendsMD, Steve Hartley

Promotion

Steve added: "I’m pretty sure that the result also means promotion to the Second Section from 2015, but we also have the huge task of fund raising for Cheltenham in September. We are all looking forward so much to what lies ahead."

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    


Spring Festival

Change in judging teams for 2027 Spring Festival

November 5 • A conflict of interest sees Dr Robert Childs step down from his Grand Shield adjudication appointment, with Col David Barringer now taking Senior Cup roll.


siddis brass

Live Wobplay coverage of Siddis Championships

November 5 • You can sit back and enjoy the Norwegian entertainment on offer from Stavanger on Saturday on the wobplay.com media platform.


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit horns to complete our line-up for the Area contest next year. The position is negotiable. Hade Edge are a friendly second band who rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45 till 9.45 in a fantastic purpose built bandroom


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

November 5 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd