*
banner

Samuel heads to Blackburn & Darwen

After a successful tenure as MD at VBS Poynton, Neil Samuel takes over the reins at Blackburn & Darwen.

Neil Samuel
  Neil Samuel will now be seen in action with Blackburn & Darwen Band

Blackburn & Darwen Band has announced that following the departure of Huw Thomas, they have appointed Neil Samuel as their new Musical Director. He makes the move after enjoying a highly successful spell at the helm with Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Band.

High quality

Band Chairperson Rhiannon Grant told 4BR: "We had a good number of high quality applicants for the post and we would like to sincerely thank everyone for their interest.

However, after leading us through a number of hard-working rehearsals and enjoyable concert performances during December, we are delighted to announce that Neil has accepted the position of Musical Director with us."

Neil has enjoyed many successes with bands in the North West area and we are confident that will continue as he takes us forward to the Regional contest in Blackpool next year and beyondBand Chairperson Rhiannon Grant

Many successes

Rhiannon added: "Neil has enjoyed many successes with bands in the North West area and we are confident that will continue as he takes us forward to the Regional contest in Blackpool next year and beyond."

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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd