*
banner

Troms set to fight breast cancer

A great musical initiative by Kevin Holdgate is set to take up the battle against cancer...

troms
 

Trombone star Kevin Holdgate is inviting fellow players to join him in a musical fight against breast cancer.

Kevin’s wife Anita was diagnosed with the illness in 2013. At the time she was a healthy 52 year old lady, but had to battle through six months of intensive chemotherapy, a mastectomy and six weeks of daily radiotherapy, before successfully beating the disease into remission.

Even now, she will be taking a cocktail of drugs over the next five years before she can be confirmed as being fully cancer free.

Thank you

Kevin told 4BR: "I’ve been looking at ways of saying, what will always be an inadequate 'thank you', to the wonderful people who have treated my wife over the past year, and continue to provide care to others in our position.

So the most obvious thing to do as I have been a trombone player for most of my life is to use the skills that I have to organise a charity event, featuring trombones, to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign."

Butlins support

The Butlins’ Mineworkers’ Brass Band Championships are supporting Kevin’s venture at their Championships in Skegness in January,where he hopes to organise a massed trombone choir for a 40 minute concert immediately after the results are announced in ‘Reds’ on the Saturday evening.

Invitation

Kevin added: "To put it simply: If you are a trombone player, you are invited to take part, and I will supply the music and full details regarding the arrangements for the event via email to all players who register to take part.

I am inviting all trombone players who wish to take part, or who simply want to show support for the charity, to donate to my Just Giving account."

The account can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Holdgate/.

Funds raised

The funds raised will be donated to the Breast Cancer Campaign, through the wonderful ladies of the Boobs & Brass organisation who have already raised over £125, 000 for the charity.

The funds raised will be donated to the Breast Cancer Campaign, through the wonderful ladies of the Boobs & Brass organisation who have already raised over £125, 000 for the charityKevin Holdgate

Contact:

In order to organise the event please can all players who wish to take part send an email to: kevinholdgate61@hotmail.com or contact me via Facebook.

In the email please confirm your name, your band (if relevant), the Butlins’ Section you are competing in (if relevant), and your trombone section position.

Kevin will then send you the music, and full details of the arrangements for the day nearer the time.

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd