*
banner

Foden's inspire next generation with festival approach

The first Foden's Youth Festival has been a great success — thanks to communal support and a sprinkling of musical magic...

Fodens
  The Foden's Youth Festival was hosted by the National Championn

The first Foden's Youth Festival was recently held at Sandbach School, where the National Champion played host to the Foden's Youth, Foden's Junior, Lions Junior and Stockport School Band's.

30-minute programmes

The bands performed a 30-minute own-choice programme in a friendly non-competitive atmosphere, with each band receiving constructive written remarks from trainee adjudicator Jonathan Bates in what was an innovative link by Foden's to the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

The initiative formed part of Foden's successful Arts Council England 'Grants for the Arts' application for a 'Three Year Strategic Music and Audience Development Plan', and during the enjoyable day hot and cold food was provided alongside a number of trade stands attractions from including The King's Division, Elliot Brass, Bsharp cleaning products, Brass Toff repairs and Foden's Heritage.

Magician

During the dinner break Foden's 'Magician in Residence' Nat Martin provided a fantastic magic show to entertain the young performers, whilst a number of Foden's stars held masterclass sessions with performers before a Gala Concert.

Festival co-ordinator Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "We would like to thank the bands who supported our event as well as the numerous trade stands and advertisers.

The inspiration was to encourage youth bands to work and support each other as well as providing a fun and friendly event without any competitive pressures — something which we believe was achieved with great success.

The inspiration was to encourage youth bands to work and support each other as well as providing a fun and friendly event without any competitive pressures — something which we believe was achieved with great successMark Wilkinson

Next stage

He added: "The non competitive festival is the next stage in our Youth Development Programme which already includes running our own Youth and Junior Bands, annual Solo Contest as well as partnerships and coaching days with various local Youth Bands, Royal Northern College of Music and the Love Music Trust."

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    


wobplay

New additions to Wobplay releases

July 30 • A premiere release from the International Staff Band is joined by classic Cory, memories of the Masters and and Edward Gregson greatest hits.


NYBBS

Fun and friendship key ingredients to NYBBS success

July 29 • A fantastic week of music making in Perthshire was rounded off with a memorable triptych concert.


Red Admira

Red Admiral still open for late arrivals

July 29 • If you want to be part of the live-broadcast Red Admiral Music Academy Entertainment Contest then you still have time...


Edward Gregson

National study scores now available

July 29 • Study scores of Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' are now available for Studio Music.


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Hathersage Band

July 30 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Alder Valley Brass

July 30 • We are looking for a front row cornet player to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023). We have a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey


Cambrian Brass

July 30 • Heading to Aberystwyth University this September? . Join us on Friday evenings, just a short walk from campus, and be part of a growing band with exciting plans for the year ahead!


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd