*
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    


RBC

Brass Band Day at RBC

February 13 • Spend Valentine's Day exploring your love of brass at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire — alongside Thomas Fountain, Ian Porthouse, Eric Ball and Gordon Langford.


rncm

BBC Radio 3 to feature RNCM Festival highlights

February 13 • Performances from Black Dyke, Foden's and Cory are to be featured on BBC Radio 3.


Durham Miners

Fishburn offer musical solidarity for Big Meeting

February 13 • RMT Fishburn Band will support the fund raising efforts of the famous Durham Miners Gala.


Tredegar

Tredegar RNCM replay now on wobplay

February 13 • The Welsh champions RNCM International Brass Band Festival performance is now available to enjoy again.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Thornton Cleveleys Band

February 10 • MD POSITION AVAILABLE AFTER NW AREA CONTEST.. A full and happy band awaits. Currently 3rd section. Confirmed entry to Fleetwood Contest. . Based in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde area.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd