*
banner

Labour and love for Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe Colliery Band welcomed delegates to the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on the weekend.

Grimethorpe
  Labour Party Deputy Leader Tom Watson (centre) dropped in to listen to the band

Grimethorpe Colliery Band played their part in welcoming MPs, delegates, activists and the world's press to the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on the weekend.

The invitation to open the event came through the Band's Honorary President, Richard Corbett, the MEP for Yorkshire and Humber, who has been a proactive supporter of the band since taking up his role.

High profile listeners

Led by conductor Sandy Smith, Grimethorpe performed a short concert of easy listening repertoire, and was delighted to find that not only international camera crews, but a host of well known front bench spokesmen and women such as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson MP (above centre) took time out to come along and listen.

Talking to 4BR, a band spokesperson said that it had been another great high profile experience for the band.

"Grimethorpe has a long and proud tradition of representing its working class mining community — an industry that also has had strong historical links to the Labour Party.

It was a real honour to be asked to provide a welcome to the conference and great to meet up with so many people who already knew so much about us and loved the music we played for them.

Our thanks go to Richard Corbett who organised the invitation: It was yet another memorable concert appearance for the band."

It was a real honour to be asked to provide a welcome to the conference and great to meet up with so many people who already knew so much about us and loved the music we played for themGrimethorpe Colliery Band

Next generation

The appearance at the Labour Party Conference has come at a busy time for the band — after they performed both in concert and in contest mode at the recent British Open weekend in Birmingham and are looking forward to taking part at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in a fortnight.

It was also announced that the band will be holding its latest Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band Workshop on Saturday 20th October at the Outwood Academy in Shafton (S72 8RE).

The day led by John Doyle, is open to young brass and percussion players (Grade 4 +). It starts at 9.30am and will finish at 3.00pm with a closing concert.

Registration is now open for the free event. Visit www.grimethorpeband.co.uk and click on the Youth Band link

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    


Bedworth

Midland bands ready for Bedworth return

March 6 • The Midlands Regional Championships return to Bedworth Civic Hall over the next two weekends.


Perth

Scottish bands prepare for Perth title battles

March 6 • 52 bands will take to teh stage to compete for the 130th Scottish Championship title honours.


swbba

Bands ready for Torquay qualification tests

March 6 • There is a full weekend of competitive action to enjoy in Torquay this weekend at the West of England Regional Championships


EBBC

European Championship line-ups confirmed

March 6 • The list of competing bands at the 46th European Championships in Stavanger have been confirmed by EBBA.


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Sunday 2 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 March • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street, . Greenwich, . London, SE10 9BJ


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Saturday 8 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Upton Vale Baptist Church, St Marychurch Road, Caste Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY


Granite City Brass

March 5 • Musical Director/Resident Conductor Needed! Lead Granite City Brass's 1st section contesting band in Aberdeen. Rehearsals: Sundays & Wednesdays, 7:45 PM - 9:45 PM.


The Hepworth Band

March 5 • We're looking for a repiano or front row cornet player to come and join us. There's lots to look forward to including the national finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October.


North SomerCommunity Brass

March 3 • The band are delighted to announce the appointment of a new MD, Mr Colin Hogg ARCM FVCM, and would now like to recruit a 2nd Baritone, Solo and 1st Horns, more front and back row cornets and a percussionist. We are a friendly, lively, non contesting band.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd