*
banner

VE Day not to be forgotten

The 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day takes place on Friday 8th May — and you can join Lewis Merthyr Band in helping commemorate the victory over Nazism.

VEDay
  VE Day was celebrated 75 years ago...

The Lewis Merthyr Band from south Wales has led this week's list of band's adding to the self isolation entertainment, as well as thanking those who have kept us safe both now and during that other great challenge to our freedoms, in the Second World War.

Jon together

This evening (Thursday 7th May) at 8.00pm they will be adding to the 'Clap for Carers' initiative with their own somewhat appropriate tune ahead of the VE Day 75 commemorations on Friday.

They will be joined in their performance by New Zealand born soprano Crystel Benton, who sent her video in from the Netherlands, plus additional Ingrid and Ronny Lauten from the Ila Band in Norway.

The band have already received pledges from musicians in Australia, Canada and wider to join them in performance on Thursday night and they hope a few brass players from across the UK and wider banding fraternity might accept the invitation to do so also.

So why not join them for a rousing rendition of 'We'll Meet Again' live on Facebook, YouTube and the band's own website from 7.45pm this Thursday, May 7th4BR

We'll Meet Again

So why not join them for a rousing rendition of 'We'll Meet Again' live on Facebook, YouTube and the band's own website from 7.45pm this Thursday, May 7th.

You can sing along or play the special arrangements of the melody that can be found on the band's website at
www.lewismerthyrband.com/ve-day-challenge

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    


Ingbjord

Duality of expansion and recognition for Vilhelmsen

January 15 • Norwegian composer gains recognition for the popularity and critical acclaim of her brass band works with publisher award nomination.


Skunkworks

A brass band camp with a difference...

January 15 • The latest Skunkworks Community Bright Brass & Percussion Summer Intensive in Australia came with snake bites, heat stress gastroenteritis and bushfires, as well as plenty of great music making...


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd