*
banner

Shirley provides the festive treats in Brum

The Shirley Band has provided great festive entertainment for brass band lovers of all ages.

Shirley Band
  The Shirley Band played to two packed audiences.

The First Section Shirley Band from Solihull near Birmingham has just held a brace of successful Christmas concerts at their local Baptist Church.

Festive brace

Their popular 'Brass at Christmas' evening concert followed wonderful afternoon Children's Christmas concert, which this year were both moved to a larger venue to accommodate the packed audience, led by new Musical Director, Tom Stoneman.

The repertoire included Stephen Bulla's arrangement of the popular Disney film, 'Frozen', Eric Ball's tone poem 'The Kingdom Triumphant', as well as festive favourites, 'Stop the Calvary' and 'White Christmas'.

Featured soloists were Tamsin Haines (flugel) who performed 'Away in a Manger', Morgan Hart (Eb bass) playing 'It's Beginning to look like Christmas', and Matt Leach (bass trombone) who gave a wonderful rendition of the ever popular 'Frosty the Snowman'.

Having moved the concerts to a larger venue this year, we were delighted with the fantastic feedback from children and adults for both eventsBand Secretary, Brian Johnson

Delighted

Band Secretary, Brian Johnson told 4BR: "Having moved the concerts to a larger venue this year, we were delighted with the fantastic feedback from children and adults for both events.

The concerts are a cornerstone of our Christmas festivities, and a key part of our annual concert series."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


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


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd