*
banner

Spring Festival finds a new Haven of support

The Spring Festival once again attracted support from all over the banding world — with a particular hot-spot just outside Filey in Yorkshire.

Haven Holiday Homes
 

The action at the Spring Festival in Blackpool was once again followed around the world on 4BR on the weekend, with people from as far afield as New Zealand and Australia, South Africa, Brazil and China all keen to find out how their favourite bands got on.

Hot-spot

However, one hot spot of interest came much closer to home — and at a very specific location — at the Blue Dolphin Holiday Home resort near Filey in Yorkshire.

The company has become a proactive supporter of the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band and has been keen to explore the banding world after market research found that many of its customers said they enjoyed brass bands and brass band music.

Delighted at feedback

On the weekend General Manager Neil Ankers (above) encouraged his customers at the Blue Dolphin resort to log into 4BR — and was delighted at the feedback he received. "Our holiday home customers have a wide variety of interests — but brass bands initially came as a bit of a surprise to us.

However, having listened to the EYMS Band in action and being amazed by the interest in the major competitions such as the Spring Festival in Blackpool we wanted to find out more.

The family atmosphere, the sense of enjoyment and friendliness reflects our own aims, so we made sure everyone was aware of what was going on."

The family atmosphere, the sense of enjoyment and friendliness reflects our own aims, so we made sure everyone was aware of what was going onGeneral Manager Neil Ankers

Great response

Neil added: "We have had a great response — and even someone like me who knows next to nothing about brass band contests was glued to 4BR.

Our congratulations go to all the bands, and we hope their players and families seek out Haven Holiday Homes knowing that they will get a more knowledgeable brass band welcome in the future!"

Find out more

To find out more go to: http://www.haven.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    


Yasuaki Fukuhara

Memorable RNCM Festival exceeds ambitions

January 26 • A weekend packed with memorable performances and highlights showcases the best of brass band music making to the world in Manchester.


No European Championship in England in 2028

January 24 • A difficult funding landscape sees BBE withdraw from hosting the European Championship in Birmingham in 2028


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


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.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band invites applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band rehearse every Thursday evening from 1930 - 2130 . The Musical Director will take a leadership role working with the senior band and will liaise with the training ban


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd