*
banner

Kirkbymoorside Town lead the world in Remembrance commemoration

The centenary of the First World War Armistice held an evocative musical resonance in Kirkbymoorside for the local community and for the rest of the world.

kIRKBY
  Band members young and old took part in the commemoration

This weekend bands throughout the world helped lead their communities in commemorating the sacrifice of those who died in conflict.

One of them was Kirkbymoorside Town, who led the First World War Armistice Centenary Commemorations not just in their town, but also across the world.

Last Post

The band led the procession from their local British Legion to the All Saints Church where principal cornet Jeanette Kendall performed 'The Last Post' — an honour played by a member of the band since 1918 — including 44 years by current soprano player John Sails.

The band also led the procession back to the British Legion where they performed a community concert and which included an emotive rendition of Gavin Somerset's 'In Flanders Field'.

Poignant

It was a particularly poignant performance as it was revealed that Tom Medd and John Bowes, who died of wounds he suffered there, were two of five band players, who fought in the First World War.

There was a worldwide focus on Kirbymoorside later in the day when the band gathered to lead the official 'Battle's Over' commemorative 'Last Post'.

'Battle's Over', was an international commemoration marking 100 years since the guns fell silent. Organised by Pageantmaster Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, it saw events throughout the UK, Europe and across the globe, from the Isle of Man to New Zealand.

He said: "It's wonderful to see the event being embraced by so many organisations and communities in this country and around the world. It's been a privilege to work on this project with the support of so many amazing organisations."

Biggest group

Kirkbymoorside was one of 1000 locations sounding 'The Last Post', and with 34 cornet players aged 7 to over 80, was the single biggest group in the world to play together.

Band member Emma Smailes told 4BR: "We were so proud to be playing a part in this historic international event, and to recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by the men and women of Kirkbymoorside.

We particularly remembered those members of Kirkbymoorside Band who went to fight. We hope they would be proud that the band they played in led the commemorations"

Kirkbymoorside was one of 1000 locations sounding 'The Last Post', and with 34 cornet players aged 7 to over 80, was the single biggest group in the world to play together4BR

Bandroom move

The centenary was also particularly poignant as the band move forward with their new plans for their rehearsal headquarters, which was moved to its current site in 1918 by players fearing for the future of the band during the conflict.

Emma added: "We hope that that these players such as tuba player and wheelwright Dan Maw, who secured the home of the band in Manor Vale, would be delighted to see our new hall being built there 100 years on."

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • 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.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd