*
banner

Concert band for veterans

A brand new concert band aimed at Armed Forces veterans and current personnel will be launched later this month in south Wales.

Army
 

A new south Wales based concert band will hold its first rehearsal later this month, and is inviting players to join them.

Opportunity

The Veterans Concert Band Wales is aimed at current and former Armed Forces musicians and is based on successful models operating elsewhere in the UK and overseas.

It looks to provide an opportunity to come together, make music and also raise funds for forces charities through concert activities.

Well planned

Speaking to 4BR, spokesman Wayne Loveday said: "The band has been in the planning stages since the Autumn and, with the generous support of a number of individuals and organisations, we're now looking forward to our first rehearsal on Sunday January 17th in Neath Port Talbot".

The band will be conducted there by Craig Roberts, who has worked with a wide variety of concert bands, and also with the military, for over 15 years as Assistant Director of Canada's Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.

Tremendous response

Craig added: "The response to the band has been tremendous. Over 30 wind, brass and percussion musicians have now signed up for the first rehearsal with an overwhelming response also from composers and arrangers from all over the world giving music to be performed.

Everyone's now really looking forward to the first rehearsal with a further target of a concert for Armed Forces Day in June."

The response to the band has been tremendous. Over 30 wind, brass and percussion musicians have now signed up for the first rehearsalConductor, Craig Roberts

Interested

Anyone interested in further information or joining the rehearsal of Veterans Concert Band Wales can contact the Secretary: bass2bone@gmail.com

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

Besson ready with early Christmas offers

November 29 • If you are at the Swiss or Swedish Nationals, the Scottish Open or just off to do some earlier Christmas musical shopping, then put Besson on Santa's list — for some great deals.


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd