*
banner

Fairey to light up Christmas delights on Sky Arts

Fairey battle the cold in the bowels of the Devil's caves to bring Christmas cheer to Sky Arts...

Fairey Band
 

Hot on the heels of their Acid Brass music being heard on the British Pottery Throwdown programme, Fairey Band will now be both seen and heard on another high profile television appearance — this time on the Sky Arts Channel in the lad up to Christmas.

Wonderland

The band recently recorded 'A Brass Band Wonderland' programme in the depths of the gloriously named 'Devil's Arse' — the famous series of caves which make up the Peak Cavern in Castleton in Derbyshire.

The band was joined by Hackney Colliery Band as well as celebrity presenters and performers including singer Russell Watson, singer/songwriter Andreya Triana, boy band Collabro and comedian Jason Manford, who not only hosted the show but also sang a couple of festive numbers.

Favourites

'White Christmas', 'Christmas Song' and 'Sleigh Ride' are amongst the favourites you will be able to hear on the Sky Arts Channel in December — appropriate numbers as the temperatures in the depths of the earth were a little chilly to say the least according to Fairey Band Manager Nigel Beasley.

I think people are now realising that bands such as Fairey can provide high class music making in any genre they wantBand Manager Nigel Beasley

Amazed

"It was another really interesting day for the band. It was cold though — although our efforts were really appreciated both by the other performers and the producers. They were amazed we could keep playing for four hours without the instruments freezing to the lips!"

Nigel added: "Playing alongside these household names is not only good for the band but good for the brass band movement as a whole. I think people are now realising that bands such as Fairey can provide high class music making in any genre they want.

It was also great to be able to do a couple of pieces with Hackney as, for some time, we have been thinking of doing a collaborative concert together."

Further details of the broadcast date will be published on 4BR when we have it.

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    


Besson

4BR Christmas Quiz

December 26 • How good is your brass band knowledge? Good enough to win a cornet and goodies for a young player?


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


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


Dobcross Silver Band

December 29 • We are accepting applications for a 2nd BARITONE PLAYER after the Area contest in March.. As current NW Area 3rd Section Champions and 2025 National Champions we start our journey in the 2nd Section in 2026! Come and join our great Euph/Bari section!


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd