*
banner

Blow to Yorkshire brass fans

One of the most popular regional brass band radio shows faces an uncertain future with no plans for it to return after Coronavirus lockdown ends.

rADIO
  David Hoyle's programme has been aired over 650 times

The regional profile of brass bands in the UK suffered a major blow this week with the news that the popular 'Yorkshire Brass' radio programme hosted by David Hoyle is to end.

Yorkshire Brass has long been a regular feature on BBC local Radio Leeds, Sheffield and York, but having being temporarily taken off air after the Coronavirus pandemic made it impractical for David to produce it at the studios, it has now been confirmed that there are no immediate plans for it to return to the airwaves

Proud

Speaking about the decision David said: "I'm proud to have brought brass band music to you on the BBC since 2008 and this decision makes me feel very sad. There may be a review of this timescale, but not until autumn.

I'm not angry — the management have had to make tough decisions. I would like to point out that the regional management are supportive of Yorkshire Brass and are seemingly stuck between a rock and a hard place on this and on similar issues with other shows.

The decisions regarding schedules are blanket and made at a national level. I've broadcast over 650 shows for the BBC and for it all to end now would be very a very hard pill to swallow."

I've broadcast over 650 shows for the BBC and for it all to end now would be very a very hard pill to swallowDavid Hoyle

Not alone

David revealed that he is not alone in facing the end of his broadcast with a number of other freelance content producers seeing their contracts ending during the pandemic. However as the usual procedure to review programmes and renew contracts could not be held, the situation has arisen.

David has however been heartened by the support he has received and that the decision may well be favourably reviewed.

"I'm naturally pleased to be making short weekly appearances on BBC Radio Leeds each Sunday and this does give me hope that there is a future for Yorkshire Brass.

I appreciate all the kind words about what the show means to people and would like to thank them for the offers of a new home for the show.

To be honest though, I want to be back on local radio."

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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

April 3 • Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band is on the rise! We're off to Cheltenham for the 3rd year running and will be promoted to the 2nd Section. We need YOU to help us go even further! We play ambitious music under a great conductor and are a very sociable bunch.


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd