*
banner

Decade of success comes to an end at Darwen

The musical partnership between Steve Hartley and Darwen Brass has come to an end.

Steve Hartley
  Steve Hartley led Darwen Brass from the Fourth to the Second Section.

The successful decade long musical partnership between Darwen Brass and Steve Hartley has come to an end.

The conductor has resigned as Musical Director and will leave the band after fulfilling Christmas commitments.

Heartfelt thanks

Speaking to 4BR, Steve said: "I would like to place on record my heartfelt thanks to all at Darwen Brass for their musicality, commitment and friendship over the past ten years.

It's been a fantastic journey which has seen the band progress from the Fourth to the Second Section, gaining contest wins and prizes and qualifying for the National Finals at Cheltenham on two occasions."

As I leave I would like to give the band my very best wishes, and I hope they continue to progress and prosper in the futureSteve Hartley

Victories

Success under Steve's baton included victories at the North West Regional Championship, Northern Open, Tameside Open, Brass at the Guild and Fleetwood.

He added: "I've made friends for life at Darwen and the past 10 years will remain very special to me. As I leave I would like to give the band my very best wishes, and I hope they continue to progress and prosper in the future."

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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd