*
banner

One fine day... (hopefully soon)

Hopefully there will be a time when the sun is out in Blackpool and the sound of brass bands will be heard in the shadow of its famous Tower once more...

Blackpool
  Tony Mortimer and Lorraine Pritt play below Blackpool's iconic tower

Never mind Puccini or Carole King for that matter — wouldn't it great if we could be celebrating a return to brass band contesting in Blackpool one fine day in the near future.

Hope

Photographer Lorne Campbell was out and about this week searching for images for the national newspapers that gives us all a bit of hope that we can return to things we love doing in the near future.

He linked up with Tony Mortimer and his partner Lorraine Pritt (observing Covid-19 appropriate guidelines) both of Blackpool Brass, under the shadow of the town's famous Tower.

The North West Regional Championships as well as the British Open Spring Festival usually take place in the nearby Winter Gardens, but Covid-19 stopped the latter being held in 2020.

Mortimer family

And although it may well be 2022 before there is a brass band contest at the venue everyone can still wish hope that one fine day will come sooner rather than later — and it didn't stop Tony and Lorraine agreeing to show that they can't wait either.

Tony is a member of the famous Mortimer family — his grandfather being Fred Mortimer's brother, Thomas. It's believed he is the only member of the extended family that still plays in a brass band.

Tony is a member of the famous Mortimer family — his grandfather being Fred Mortimer's brother, George4BR

RNCM Festival

Although live performances are perhaps still some way off on the horizon this Sunday there is the chance to hear some wonderful brass band playing and discussions with the online RNCM Brass Band Festival on Sunday 31st January.

Picture : Lorne Campbell / Guzelian

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd