*
banner

Reinvigorated Marsden building towards further success

Marsden Silver has certainly shown that relegation can sometimes be the best thing that can happen to a band that wants to become successful once again...

Marsden Silver Prize
  The latest boost to the Marsden renaissance came at the Whit Friday contests

Marsden Silver is certainly showing that relegation to the First Section can be the perfect way to reinvigorate a band — especially one with 100 years of proud competitive history to call on.

Although the loss of their Championship Section status in Yorkshire in 2016 came as a blow at the time, it also provided them with the opportunity to regroup — with startling results.

Paid dividends

A new found realism, a link to a vastly experienced MD and players with an immense sense of pride and connection with the band has paid dividends — with the latest instalment another £750 banked into their coffers after receiving the cheque for winning the Redrow House Builders sponsored 'Saddleworth Local Champions' title at the recent Whit Friday contests (above).

Add to that the healthy winnings at the various individual Whit Friday contests, over £700 won at the Morley March & Hymn Tune contest and more money from a podium finish at Hebden Bridge and you can see why they are smiling.

And that is not forgetting their win at the Yorkshire Area contest in Huddersfield and Brass at the Guild Hall earlier in the year.

They are now one of the short-priced favourites to add the First Section National title to their CV when they head to Cheltenham in September.

Handy

On receiving the latest payment for their Whit Fruday success, MD Alan Widdop stated: "It means everything to have won this. The money will come in extremely handy and will go towards covering our expenses for the next competition."

They are now one of the short-priced favourites to add the First Section National title to their CV when they head to Cheltenham in September4BR

Worthy winner

Lorraine Moores, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (Lancashire) added: "We were delighted to sponsor a category at the Whit Friday event as it's such a lovely, traditional competition and brings together musical talent from all over the country and further afield.

Redrow's contribution provided the area prize pot for the best local band based within an eight-mile radius of Uppermill Village. Marsden Silver was a worthy winner and we're thrilled the win will help them to greater success."

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    


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd