*
banner

No postcode lottery for City of Bradford

City of Bradford looks to secure its future with the setting up of a brand new competitive banding addition to the family...

City of Bradford
 

The City of Bradford Band is planning for the future with the news that they will be setting up a new competitive ensemble to help meet the growing demand from players wishing to become members of the ambitious organisation.

BD1 Brass

Their new BD1 Brass will become an integral part of the current set up, with the hope that it will provide an ideal stepping stone for developing players to eventually make the move up to the senior City of Bradford Band, which has just attained Championship Section status.

Ideal opportunity

However, as MD Lee Skipsey told 4BR, he also hopes it will provide an ideal opportunity for more established players to enjoy a competitive level of banding, without having to sacrifice other work and family commitments.

"We want to really develop a family ethos at City of Bradford — one that helps develop new talent as well as being flexible enough to keep established players actively involved in banding.

There will be close links between both bands, with Rob Westacott, Chris Lewis and myself leading the musical direction, whilst other senior players will also use their experience to help bring younger players on."

Postcode name

The new band takes its name from the Bradford postcode of the National Finalist’s headquarters, with BD1 Brass using rehearsal facilities that are being modernised opposite the current HQ.

It is also envisaged that BD1 Brass will hopefully make their competitive debuts at the Yorkshire Regional Championships in 2015.

Launch

"There is plenty of hard work being done to get things ready, with a good stock of instruments and music already in place, and with over a dozen players as keen as mustard to start playing," Lee said.

"We will officially be launching the band with our first rehearsal on 5th October, with the primary aim of making it to the starting line-up for the Fourth Section Area contest at Bradford next year.

We are determined to be there and already have a couple of concerts penciled in!"

The long term aim is to enable the City of Bradford organisation to flourish on as many different levels as possible in the futureLee Skipsey.

Inclusive

He added: "The long term aim is to enable the City of Bradford organisation to flourish on as many different levels as possible in the future.

We have an all inclusive ethos to anyone who is interested and wants to enjoy brass banding. If you can blow then we want to know!"

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 judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd