*
banner

Silk Brass tour provides essence of Christmas

A wonderful piece of community music making has provided care home residents in Macclesfield with the sounds of the festive season.

Silk Brass
  The members of the band played at 14 Care Homes in just five days

Another band that has also gained some high profile coverage for its community activities is Silk Brass, who was featured on North West Tonight this week.

Members of the band gave up their time to undertake 14 performances in just five days at Care Homes in the Macclesfield area.

Even though the band hasn't rehearsed together as a full band since March they took the decision to bring some festive joy to their community despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On tour

Band Chair, Stephen Bridgehouse told the presenter that at this time of year they usually performed at concerts, supermarkets and churches, but as the diary was empty they decided go 'on tour'. "It's been really, really difficult, so we decided to do something nice,"he said.

The wonderful commitment was certainly appreciated by their audiences. "It was a very special, very wonderful,"one care home resident said, "…the essence of Christmas".

It's made a big change. It's been really happy for us to see. This has been amazing for themStaff at Ashfields Care Home

Amazing

The staff at the Ashfields Home said that it had also provided a huge boost to their resident's well being: "It's made a big change. It's been really happy for us to see. This has been amazing for them."

As Band Chair, Stephen Bridgehouse added: "We just wanted people to realise that actually Christmas was going ahead — it was just going to be a little bit different this year.

Their performance of 'Joy to the World' to close was very apt…

To enjoy:

Go to 22.20 seconds in:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000qdmg/north-west-tonight-evening-news-17122020

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    


Royal Albert Hall

Countdown previews of Symphony in Two Movements

October 5 • There will be a chance to hear how the competitors are getting on with their 'Symphony in Two Movements' preparations ahead of the Royal Albert National Final...


Foden

Foden's set for Regent Hall preview ahead of Albert Hall challenge

October 5 • Foden's Band will be joined by Mike Lovatt for their traditional Regent Hall pre-National preview next weekend.


Steph Wilshaw

Wilshaw looks to boost Audley Community

October 5 • Steph Wilshaw has been appointed the new Musical Director of Audley Community Band.


Fountain City Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 United States Brass Invitational

October 5 • Fountain City takes the honours in Texas as a new event looks to further boost brass banding growth in the USA.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd