*
banner

New trio for Darwen ahead of Blackpool

Darwen Brass will take to the stage at the Winter Gardens with a trio of new players in the ranks.

Darwen Brass
 

Darwen Brass has welcomed a trio of new players to their ranks ahead of their appearance at the North West Area contest at Blackpool next month.

Tubas and flugel

Ian Marsden and Carl Mercer have joined on BBb tuba and EEb tuba respectively, while Kevin Stringfellow comes in on flugel. Ken Lofthouse moves from BBb tuba to second baritone, with Ben Millest taking over the solo euphonium role.

Delighted

MD Steve Hartley told 4BR: “We’re delighted to welcome Ian, Carl and Kevin to Darwen Brass. They are all very experienced players and join us as we prepare for our first contest in the Second Section at Blackpool.

The new players alongside the internal moves bring strength in depth to the band and join a team committed to further progress.”

The commitment and teamwork at Darwen is second to none and have been major factors in our success, which we hope to continue at BlackpoolMD Steve Hartley

Long term commitment

He added: “Eight years ago we were starting out at our first contest in the Fourth Section, and we now have enjoyed two promotions and an excellent contest record.

The commitment and teamwork at Darwen is second to none and have been major factors in our success, which we hope to continue at Blackpool.”

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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Coverage: North West Regionals Championships

February 23 • Coverage of the 2025 North West Regionals championships from Winter Gardens, Blackpool.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd