*
banner

Foden's festival outlook looks increasingly rosy

The inaugural Foden's Youth Festival will see six youth bands enjoy a wonderful non-competitive experience thanks to the band's innovative three year outlook.

fODENS
  The Foden's Youth Festival initiative has gained support from Arts Council England

The final plans are being out in place for the forthcoming Foden's Youth Festival, which takes place on Sunday 22nd October at Sandbach School between 10.00am and 6.00pm.

It is the result of Foden's successful application to Arts Council England through its 'Grants for the Arts' initiative to produce an innovative three year strategic music and audience development plan.

Ambitious plan

This included the ambitious plan to run a non-competitive Youth Festival — the first of its kind, for a three year period, where six invited youth bands would perform individually during the day as well as being able to attend various masterclasses and fringe events delivered by leading brass performers.

To conclude the day a gala concert featuring Foden's Band will also see inclusive participation from players of each band.

Discussions to develop further

Discussions have already taken place with a number of UK conservatoires and universities about hosting the festival in 2018-19 and for it to become to become a full weekend event.

It is also hoped that it could become a major annual event in helping develop youth bands throughout the UK.

Constructive

Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "The non-competitive festival is the next stage in our Youth Development Programme, which already includes running our own Youth and Junior Bands, annual Solo Contest as well as partnerships and coaching days with various local youth bands."

He added: "For this inaugural event, Foden's Youth and Junior Bands, Lions Youth, Stockport Schools, Poynton Youth and Keele University will each perform a 20 minute concert set where constructive feedback on each performance will be provided."

It is also hoped that it could become a major annual event in helping develop youth bands throughout the UK4BR

Composer award

Mark revealed that each band has also been asked to consider performing a piece that has been especially arranged or composed for them, whilst and a financial award will be given to the winning composer/arranger as well as to the respective youth band.

The object of the festival is to provide a fun and friendly event without competitive pressures.

Tickets

With demand for tickets expected to be high, audience numbers will be limited with entry only being allowed via purchasing a ticket in advance (not on the day) via the following link:

https://www.priorbooking.com/e/fodens-youth-festival-2

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    


NYBBS

Fun and friendship key ingredients to NYBBS success

July 29 • A fantastic week of music making in Perthshire was rounded off with a memorable triptych concert.


Red Admira

Red Admiral still open for late arrivals

July 29 • If you want to be part of the live-broadcast Red Admiral Music Academy Entertainment Contest then you still have time...


Edward Gregson

National study scores now available

July 29 • Study scores of Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' are now available for Studio Music.


Ystradgynlais

Chitty, Chitty Band, Bang

July 29 • The Ystradgynlais Band has been entertaining their local supporters with a little bit of film star help...


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Chinnor Silver

July 29 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday 4th and would love you to come along and join us for a relaxed blow.There is no impact on your own band just an extra fun blow but with cake and coffeeThe rehearsal is at 11am in our organisations own bandroom


Alder Valley Brass

July 28 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd