*
banner

Bradford add quartet to Cheltenham mix

Yorkshire First Section champion City of Bradford has added a mix of youth and experience to their Cheltenham preparations.

City of Bradford
 

Yorkshire Area champions City of Bradford has announced a number of new signings ahead of their preprations for the First Section National Finals in Cheltenham in September.

Experienced trio

The highly experienced trio of Jim Ely, Trevor Slade and Steve Rollins come in from Cornerstone Brass, Diggle and Hebden Bridge respectively, whilst a future percussion star has been unearthed in 14 year old Harry Lewis from Lindley.

Awesome

A delighted MD Lee Skipsey told 4BR that the signings bring extra quality to the Yorkshire contenders as they look to add a second National title to their CV following their Third Section victory in 2011.

"Jim is an awesome player, who I’ve known for a number of years with his brilliant playing with the Salvation Army, whilst Trevor is as good a bass trombone player you could wish to hear. His playing with James Shepherd Versatile Brass is incredible.

Steve is the perfect player to help the band out — although busy with his work he is more than happy to fit in the percussion section where he can and bring his experience to bear."

He reminds me of myself a bit! He is confident but willing to learn, is keen to improve and keen as mustardCity of Bradford MD, Lee Skipsey.

Reminder

It is young Harry Lewis who is really making a mark though. "He reminds me of myself a bit!" Lee chuckled. "He is confident but willing to learn, is keen to improve and keen as mustard.

I think he is going to be a real star — and comes to the band at just the right time as we will need five great percussion players for the National Finals."

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    


Australia Brass

Australia to send National band for World Championship challenge

October 21 • Australia Brass will travel to Kerkrade in 2026 to seek World Championship title.


New Zealand

Home grown test-piece talent for New Zealand Championships

October 21 • The five test pieces to be heard in Wellington next year all come from the pens of New Zealand composers.


LBBA

Bands ready for battles of Bosworth

October 21 • There are plenty of bands taking part in the Leicestershire Brass Band Association contest in Desford this weekend.


Cory

Cory set for cinematic trip to Warwick

October 21 • The defending Brass in Concert champion returns from Italy to showcase its cinematic entertainment at Warwicks Arts Centre.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class TROMBONE player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd