*
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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd