*
banner

Irish return for Smithills

Smithills Schools Band will return to Ireland next month on the latest exciting tour for the talented youngsters.

Smithills Schools
 

Smithills Schools Band has announced that they are to make a return trip to Dublin — a decade after they last visited the Republic of Ireland on tour.

Under the baton of MD Chris Wormald they will be based at the University of Cork for a week from July 13th, playing concerts in Fitzgerald Park, Mahon Point and at the Grand Parade amongst other venues in the capital to be confirmed.

Fantastic tour

Chris told 4BR: "Ten years ago I took Smithills on a fantastic tour to Dublin in between two of our American tours. We recorded a CD at the University of Dublin's excellent facilities whilst we were there.

Dublin proved to be a fantastic place to stay, play and visit, so a decade on the opportunity to return was not to be missed."

Charity link

Before they depart the band will join forces with the Eagley Band to help raise funds for Derian House Children's Hospice.

The concert at Bolton Parish Church on Saturday July 9th will feature items they will perform in Ireland, whilst they will also team up with the 140-strong Smithills Community Choir for what is sure to be an emotional performance of 'Deep Harmony'.

Dublin proved to be a fantastic place to stay, play and visit, so a decade on the opportunity to return was not to be missedMD, Chris Wormald

Wonderful cause

Chris added: "As MD of Eagley Band from 1989 to 1998, we enjoyed great success together, whilst many current and former Smithills members play with the band today.

MD Matt Ryan is also a former Smithills bandsman and it will be a thrill to join up and create something very special for a wonderful cause."

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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

April 3 • Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band is on the rise! We're off to Cheltenham for the 3rd year running and will be promoted to the 2nd Section. We need YOU to help us go even further! We play ambitious music under a great conductor and are a very sociable bunch.


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd