*
banner

Holme sweet Holme?

The 8th Annual Holme Valley Slow Melody & Ensemble Competition is in need of entries of it is to take place this year and next...

Cornet
  Entries are being sought to ensure the future of the contest

Preparations for the 8th Annual Holme Valley Slow Melody & Ensemble Competition are well underway, although the organisers are concerned about the current level of entries and have made an adjudicator change.

Light on entries

Due to a date mix-up, Leigh Baker has now been provisionally booked for 2019, with Jonathan Bates taking on the role.

Organiser, Graham Bates told 4BR: "We're light on entries so far but given how busy people are I appreciate sometimes it's only when the calendar turns to June that players send in their entries.

We really need to know by 2nd June if the event is going to be viable."

Turnaround

He added: "We've always offered a relaxed, friendly environment to encourage people of all ages, but to be blunt — if it doesn't go ahead this year then it's highly unlikely to go ahead nest year.

It's a shame given the recent support from the likes of Geneva, Kirklees Music and Black Dyke Band that we just can't seem to attract entries, but hopefully the next few weeks will see a turnaround."

We're light on entries so far but given how busy people are I appreciate sometimes it's only when the calendar turns to June that players send in their entries Organiser, Graham Bates

Details

Details are available from Graham on 07999 751988, or at: blasterbates45@gmail.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    


Remembering Trevor Austin

June 24 • One of the most respected figures in the brass band business world passed away a year ago — with his memory still fondly remembered.


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe add quartet strength to ranks

June 24 • Four new players have joined Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Frecjleton

Freckleton partnership comes to an end

June 24 • John Atkinson has taken his final bow with the Freckleton Band.


Alan Hobbins

Hobbins to lead Eccles Borough

June 24 • The experienced Alan Hobbins is the new Musical Director at Eccles Borough Band.


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


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd