*
banner

Christmas Miracle sheds light on child poverty

A powerful musical message is being sent out in a new Christmas CD release about the shameful levels of child poverty in the UK.

mIRACLE PROJECT
  The Christmas Miracle project is shedding a light on the need to help eradicate child poverty in the UK.

Students and staff at Blackpool Sixth Form College are using their musical skills alongside Poulton le Flyde Band to send out a powerful message about child poverty in the run up to Christmas.

Christmas Miracle

A talented trio of teachers from the college have composed and produced a song called 'A Christmas Miracle' that aims to increase awareness of the increasing social problem throughout the country.

Statistics show that over 30% of children in the Blackpool area and nearly 20% in the North West region alone are living in poverty.

Brass band support

Ten schools from across the Fylde Coast also joined up with Blackpool Sixth students for the recording, with John Stevens, a trombonist with Leyland Band (above) telling 4BR: "Poulton-Le-Fylde Band have been so generous with their time and support and have spent an evening in the studio recording their contribution to the track.

Alongside the band are over 100 young voices and other instrumentalists, and the community involvement has been overwhelming. We have teamed up with The Children's Society to whom the proceeds from all sales will go in order for them to continue their work with children."

Raise awareness

The Children's Society's Deputy Area Director for North of England Joanna Hunt said: "We're delighted that Blackpool Sixth Form College recorded this song to raise awareness and support vulnerable children this Christmas.

Many of our services work with young people affected by some of the most complex problems in society who are often overlooked and ignored. Funds raised from this single will help us transform lives so we're truly grateful for their support."

Statistics show that over 30% of children in the Blackpool area and nearly 20% in the North West region alone are living in poverty4BR

Public release

The public release date for the song and its accompanying video will be Friday 2nd December.

For more details go to:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/b6miracle
Website blog: https://blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/the-college/blog/christmas-miracle-bethemiracle/

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    


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


mINING

Brass band mining heritage celebrated

January 21 • Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum for England can now enjoy finding out more about the long and proud connection between brass bands and the industry.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


West Yorkshire Brass

January 20 • We are a friendly and welcoming non-competing band based in the Bradford area of West Yorkshire. We play at various events in Yorkshire throughout the year. We have vacancies for Eb and BBb basses. Instruments provided if required


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd