*
banner

Flowers make double change ahead of Torquay

New faces on cornet and tuba for Flowers as they seek fourth successive win at West of England Area Championship.

Flowers
 

The reigning West of England champion, Flowers has announced a couple of changes of personnel as they prepare to seek a fourth consecutive victory at the Area Championship in Torquay on the weekend.

Joining up

Former Tongwynlais and Woodfalls cornet player Lauren Chin replaces Ben Halstead, who will be joining the British Army as a brass musician following his graduation from the RWCMD in Cardiff.

A spokesperson told 4BR: “We would like to thank Ben for his commitment, ethos and contribution to the band over the past year and wish him all the best in his future career as an Army Musician. We give a warm welcome to Lauren and best wishes to Ben.”

Tuba sub

Meanwhile, due to a sudden bout of ill health BBb tuba player Craig Williams has been in and out of hospital over the past few days, although thankfully he is now back home recuperating. Steve Gittins has been drafted in a replacement.

The band added: “We would like to thank Steve for helping us out at such short notice and wish Craig a speedy recovery helped by news of another Area victory.”

We would like to thank Ben for his commitment, ethos and contribution to the band over the past year and wish him all the best in his future career as an Army MusicianFlowers Band spokesperson

Website launch

The band has also announced the launch of their new website: www.flowersband.co.uk

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    


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


fUSION

Brass Fluxus — where brass banding meets avant-garde art

January 8 • Regent Brass joins an artistic fusion of Spike Jones, gags, games, Vaudeville, John Cage and Marcel Duchamp.


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


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


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.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd