*
banner

Stretford end Whit Friday on a suprise high

A wonderful return to the Whit Friday contests for Stretford is topped by their Bradley Wiggins solo euphonium player.

Stretford Band
 

There was a welcome return to the contest scene for the Stretford Band at the Whit Friday contests this year.

Support

And whilst the band couldn’t quite match the success of many of the Whit Friday veterans, that didn’t matter as they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in front of supportive crowds at each of the venues on the Saddleworth circuit.

Never forget

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We had great fun spurred on by the rapturous applause from the thousands of people that lined the streets and contest grounds. It was truly an evening the band will never forget!"

Musical Director Nick Garbett as also delighted and praised his band for the way they played — from their debut at Grotton, through Lydgate, Greenfield and the big one at Delph.

Thanks

He told 4BR: "Given that the whole Whit Friday experience was a totally unknown quantity to many of our regular players, the band settled in very well. But we also have to thank our delightful deps who filled vacant seats and covered for members unable to come with us on the day."

If there was a special award for sheer tenacity and dogged determination though, it went to euphonium player Ruben Perez.

Cyclist

He had told the band that work problems meant that he could not make the event, so you can imagine their surprise when they had the surprise of their lives as they pulled into Delph to play, as MD Nick Garbett explained.

"At the rehearsal the night before, Ruben had explained that, despite his heartfelt pleading, he would have to work until 7.00pm, meaning that he couldn’t be at the bandroom when the coach left at 4.00pm. Sadly, we would have to do without him.

Fortunately, we had brought his euphonium so he was able to join us for our last appearance of the night sporting his full band uniform and a pair of cycling trainers!Stretford Band

Surprise

He added: "However, imagine our surprise when, stuck in a long queue of coaches at 11.00pm at Delph, we heard a knock on the coach door and Ruben appeared — having cycled all the way from Stretford, visiting numerous villages on the way to catch us up!

Fortunately, we had brought his euphonium so he was able to join us for our last appearance of the night sporting his full band uniform and a pair of cycling trainers!"

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    


Gregson

Focus on Gregson's Choice on National eve

October 8 • The International Staff Band of the Salvation Army will be joined by Ian Bousfield for an aperitif evening of music from the pen of Edward Gregson ahead of his Albert Hall challenge.


World of Brass

Cory and Baker CD brace launched

October 8 • The latest CD releases from Cory and Brett Baker will be on sale at the Royal Albert Hall this year.


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd