*
banner

Baggy trousered Madness at City of Chester

A great City of Chester training workshop day took place with a touch of Madness about proceedings recently...

Chester training day
 

Last weekend saw members of the senior City of Chester Band working with the youngsters of their Training Band at a workshop held at St Luke’s Church in Huntington.

Organised by conductors Ian Clowes and Tony Blain, it included a review of the basics of playing followed by sectional groups working through pieces from their current repertoire. Each group was led by a member of the main band who passed on their knowledge and expertise.

Madness

As a great musical addition, Chris Hardy had made a great new arrangement of the famous Madness pop chart hit ‘Baggy Trousers’, whilst the day concluded with a short concert performed to an audience of Training Band supporters — all of who loved the return to a bit of ska ‘Madness!

Great success

A spokesperson told 4BR: “The day was a great success, and it’s hoped to hold further events. The Training Band was formed in 2000 and over the years a number of players have progressed to the main band, some now occupying principal positions — so it shows that these days work and work well!”

The Training Band was formed in 2000 and over the years a number of players have progressed to the main band, some now occupying principal positions — so it shows that these days work and work well!Spokesperson

Crossroads return

This week the Training Band has been invited to return to perform for members of ‘Crossroads’, an evening social group for people with learning disabilities.

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    


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • There are victories for and Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk on the first day of competition in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Northop Silver Band

October 22 • PERCUSSION PLAYER - We are a Championship Section competing band based in North East Wales. The band are friendly and ambitious, with an active contest and concert diary.


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd