*
banner

Roll out the barrel...

A band with a famous brewery past is making a comeback under a different guise in Richmond...

wATNEY
  The community band has enjoyed a rich and colourful past

A band with a colourful musical history is set to return later this year with the re-establishment of the Richmond-upon-Thames Band after an absence of 35 years.

Impression

Known as the Watney Silver Band in the 1960s and early 70s, the band made an impression both with their distinctive brewers name and their approach to music making, which at times included the use of French horns and double bass in concert performances under the baton of Albert Meek. They also enjoyed contest success too, winning the London & Southern Counties Second Section Area title in 1967.

Although sponsorship ended in the early 1970s the band carried on and a little later enjoyed success led by London Symphony Orchestra trumpet player Malcolm Smith, making a last contest performance in 1982.

Richmond

Now, through the efforts of local enthusiasts, the band is being reformed as the new Richmond Brass Band, with a mission to capitalise on the wealth of talented brass players in the local area as well as documenting the definitive history of the former band.

Led by Victoria van Uden, they will focus on public performance and community collaboration. Victoria is the Head of Brass at the Richmond Music Trust and has enjoyed tremendous success bringing a spotlight to brass education in the area.

the band is being reformed as the new Richmond Brass Band, with a mission to capitalise on the wealth of talented brass players in the local area as well as documenting the definitive history of the former band4BR

Get in touch

The band is now actively looking to recruit players, so if you are interested, or have information relating to the former band, then get in touch, by visiting their website at: http://richmondbrassband.com) or e-mailing: info@richmondbrassband.com

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    


pocast

4BR Review: Episode 19

June 15 • Join Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas on Wednesday 17th June at 7.00pm for the latest live broadcast 4BR Review.


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


wITHINGTON

Withington bows out with a Russian flourish

June 15 • The musical partnership between Allan Withington and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band came to an end in France with a memorable musical flourish.


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


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Tintwistle Band

June 15 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled!. As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd