*
banner

Siblings bring festive joy to local community

Teenagers Matthew and Olivia Hurst will undertake over 30 special carol performances by Christmas Eve in their local community — and in the process raise thousands of pounds to support a local hospice.

Hurst
  Olivia and Matthew will perform their 32nd concert on Chrsitmas Eve.

Brother and sister, Matthew and Olivia Hurst, have become something of a festive musical sensation in their local area this year, thanks to their wonderful commitment to help raise funds for a local hospice.

The pair who play for Lostock Hall Memorial Band, originally set out to help raise funds for the East Lancashire Hospice that provide care for patients and families during their illnesses, with the aim of perhaps topping a few hundred pounds by playing carols around local villages.

Media and music skills

However, thanks to their savvy social media skills, the posting of advertising leaflets by delighted customers wanting help and brilliant playing, they have now topped £3,800.

By Christmas Eve will have performed duets at 32 different pre-booked locations in the Langho, Whalley and Barrow areas near Clitheroe.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of them,"mum, Cathryn told 4BR. "They wanted to do something for the local community and for the hospice which provides such wonderful care, and came up with the idea of doing pre-booked socially distanced carol performances around the villages.

All of a sudden it just took off and now they will be doing their 32nd special performance on Christmas Eve. The response has been amazing through their special JustGiving page."

They wanted to do something for the local community and for the hospice which provides such wonderful care, and came up with the idea of doing pre-booked socially distanced carol performances around the villagesmum, Cathryn

Special arrangements

Cathryn revealed that 16 year old Olivia also used her musical skills to make special arrangements for the duets she plays with her 14 year old brother to enable them to play different carols for around 30 minutes.

They have also recorded the carols so they can be played at their local church, had a DVD to be played at a primary school and added a cycle ride to their fund raising activities.

"It's been incredible,"Cathryn added on Sunday night as the pair tucked into a late supper after yet another performance.

"They took this all on themselves. They love playing in the Lostock Memorial Band and even persuaded me to start playing percussion!

They are also part of the brilliant Lancashire Youth Band under Helen Minshall, so they are always busy, but this has been something extra — and is something that they should be very proud of."

Support:

To help support Olivia and Matthew, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/HurstCarols

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    


Duncan Beckley MBE

Death of Duncan Beckley MBE

September 29 • The death has been announced of Duncan Beckley, a pioneering figure of inspiration within the banding movement.


Fife Charieites

Result: 2025 Fife Charities

September 28 • Haydock claims the honours in Fife


Red Admiral

Results: 2025 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Pemberton Old (Wigan) DW leads the prize winners in a great day of entertainment in Chorley — with section wins for Roberts Bakery, Poulton-le-Fylde, Rivington & Adlington and Driffield Silver.


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

September 29 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd