*
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    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd