*
banner

Sykes Appeal Fund target on the horizon

The fantastic efforts of so many people means that the target of £90,000 is on the horizon for the Stephen Sykes Appeal.

Stephen Sykes
  Another huge push and the £90,000 target could well be met soon

The fund raising campaign for that has been set up to help trombone player Stephen Sykes is now rapidly closing in on its target of £90,000 — just 15 days after it was launched.

The boost that has come with the wonderfully whacky 'The Acrobat Challenge' set up by fellow trombonist Jayne Murrill and friends has been amazing, with players from all over the banding world and from stars to new beginners all doing their bit to help.

Closing in!

At the moment the appeal stands at just over £75,000, so if you can take a few minutes of your time to help, please do — the target is just on the horizon.

All you have to do is take up the challenge of playing the first two phrase of JA Greenwood's famous solo accompanied by a pledge to the 'Save Stephen' gofundme appeal.

You do however have to make sure you post your effort — which can be good, bad, ugly, bizarre, fun, bonkers, surreal etc on-line, so everyone can see you doing it, and nominate a few others to follow your act of surreal kindness and complete self-deprecation.

At the moment the appeal stands at just over £75,000, so if you can take a few minutes of your time to help, please do — the target is just on the horizon4BR

Have a go

Have a go — some brilliant supporters have already done it. There is even a pdf to download to play the music!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1337691529600543/requests/?notif_t=group_r2j¬if_id=1491223740728146

https://www.gofundme.com/StephenSykes

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    


Besson

Besson ready with early Christmas offers

November 29 • If you are at the Swiss or Swedish Nationals, the Scottish Open or just off to do some earlier Christmas musical shopping, then put Besson on Santa's list — for some great deals.


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd