*
banner

Odds fall as numbers rise on Swab for Sykes appeal

Another great response, this tme from the students at the RNCM in Manchester has boosted the odds on the Swab for Sykes appeal.

Swab for Sykes
  There was a great response from the students at the RNCM in Manchester

The 'Swab for Sykes' appeal keeps on racking up the fantastic numbers, with another 93 volunteers taking 5 minutes of their time from their studies and work at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to sign-up for the DKMS Blood Cancer screening campaign.

Wonderful response

Appeal supporter Kevin Holdgate spent the day at the college organising a sign-up event and was delighted by the wonderful response.

"The more people that are tested the more chance there is of finding a match for not only Stephen but literally thousands of others in the same situation as him,"he told 4BR.

I was genuinely humbled by the reaction of the youngsters that came to see us, as many had concerts to perform at or lectures to attend, yet they made sure that they took time out to sign up and swabKevin Holdgate.

Humbled

"I was genuinely humbled by the reaction of the youngsters that came to see us, as many had concerts to perform at or lectures to attend, yet they made sure that they took time out to sign up and swab.

The campaign is set to continue for as long it takes, and with such a fantastic response to the teams that covered the regional events in Swansea, Stevenage, Huddersfield and Torquay and with many more new ideas in the pipeline, the odds of getting that match are getting smaller by the day."

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    


British Open

Livestream broadcasts brought in-house for Spring Festival and British Open

April 16 • The 2026 Spring Festival and British Open Championships will be broadcast in a new link between the organisers and Red Shell Productions.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB ready to add to plaudits in Manchester

April 16 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will head to the RNCM in Manchester this weekend.


BBE Young Leaders

Brass Bands England to help new youth leaders

April 16 • A course aimed at enhancing specialised skills to inspire the next generation of brass band players is launched with increased capacity by BBE.


Field of the Cloth of Gold

Wright & Round: Field of the Cloth of Gold (Philip Harper)

April 16 • An exciting concert work that recalls a historic summit of superpowers...


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd