*
banner

Ice Bucket challenge comes to Blaenavon

If you do wish to raise money for charity then by all accounts this is one way of doing it...

Ice bucket challenge
 

The new charity fund raising craze — the ice bucket challenge – is already making its mark on the brass band world.

Fund raising

Aimed at helping to raise money for the likes of Macmillan Cancer, those nominated can be doused in ice cold water, with their resultant bout of hyperthermia made all the more bearable by the thought of raising much needed funds for the charity concerned.

The latest band to get involved was Cheltenham National finalists Blaenavon, whose conductor Jamie Jones agreed to undergo the ordeal before he then rather mischievously nominated two other well own MDs in Andrew Jones and Paul Holland!

It was a great bit of fund raising fun, although it did take a bit of time after for the band to follow Jamie’s baton in practice! It was shaking about twenty beats a bar for a while!Blaenavon

Twenty beats a bar

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a great bit of fund raising fun — although it did take a bit of time after for the band to follow Jamie’s baton in practice! It was shaking about twenty beats a bar for a while!"

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    


Foden's Band

Report & Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray claim the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require an Eb bass player. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall in Rugby, the band has a growing schedule of concerts and contests as well as social events.


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 14 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd