*
banner

Foden's warm up for Blackpool defence with Patron support

Foden's ensured that over 500 of their patron's got a sneak preview of their Area title defence preparations at a concert in their home town.

cURTIN
  Garry Curtin and Mark Wilkinson performed solos at the concert

Foden's warmed up for the defence of their North West Regional title in Blackpool on the weekend by entertaining over 500 loyal supporters at their annual Patrons Concert at Sandbach School.

Now in its 32nd year, the Patrons Society provides invaluable support to the band, helping them to maintain their position as one of the world's leading ensembles.

Preview

The packed audience were treated to a varied programme of entertainment under the baton of Michael Fowles, including solos from Mark Wilkinson and Gary Curtin.

In addition the band gave a preview performance of 'A Tale as Yet Untold' by Philip Sparke directed by Russell Gray ahead of their Winter Gardens appearance.

Now in its 32nd year, the Patrons Society provides invaluable support to the band, helping them to maintain their position as one of the world's leading ensembles4BR

Awards

The concert also saw the presentation of the band's annual awards, with Iain McKnight deservedly taking the 'Bandsperson of the Year', accolade in part due to his work coordinating the huge fund raising efforts and logistics to compete at the European Championships in Lithuania later this year.

Gary Curtin was presented with the 'Player of the Year' award in recognition of his fantastic contest and concert performances in 2019, as well as the launch of his solo CD in May.

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    


Youth Championships

Youth Champs set for Birmingham return

May 15 • The National Youth Championships will return to King Edward's School in Birmingham next year.


Amersham

Amersham welcomes new principal lead

May 15 • Nick Mott has become the new principal cornet at Amersham Band.


Riverdance

Wright & Round: Riverdance (Whelan arr. Farr)

May 15 • Why not get back into that Eurovision feel in your concerts with a classic bit of foot tapping joy.


Guildhall

Extraordinary talent displayed by Guildhall prize winners

May 15 • There was plenty of emerging brass and percussion talent on show at the recent Guildhall School of Music Young Artists' Competition.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd