*
banner

Watership ready for Euro test

Watership Brass is getting ready for their latest overseas tour to Europe.

Watership
 

Watership Brass from Newbury in Berkshire is getting ready to head off on what will be their seventh overseas concert tour — but their first in three years.

The 40 strong party of players and supporters will travel across five European countries later this month to perform concerts in The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany.

Worked hard

Musical Director, Mark Picken, told 4BR: "The band has worked very hard this year in building up for this event.

We are really looking forward to taking our British brand of banding across to the continent and we hope the tour will be a fitting way to celebrate our 35th anniversary."

We are really looking forward to taking our British brand of banding across to the continent and we hope the tour will be a fitting way to celebrate our 35th anniversaryMD, Mark Picken

Organisation

He added: "Particular thanks go to band members Clare Chapman, James Cox and Lewis Anderson who have lead the planning and organisation of the concert tour."

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    


EBBA Linz

Austrian celebration to be showcased at EBBC Gala Concert

January 13 • An unforgettable celebration of Austrian music is promised at the Gala Concert of the European Brass Band Championships in Linz later this year.


David Morton

Morton set to link with Sandefjord

January 13 • David Morton is set to become Musical Director of Sandefjord Brass Symposium in Autumn 2026.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

January 13 • More great music to enjoy from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


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


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd