*
banner

Whitburn excited by landmark anniversary concert with Mike Lovatt

It will be well worth the wait in West Lothian early next month as Whitburn Band gets to finally perform with trumpet star Mike Lovatt.

Mike Lovatt
  It's been two years of waiting to team up with the trumpet star

Whitburn Band is preparing for a special concert that has been on the cards for two years.

The Scottish Open champion celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020, but the pandemic prevented them from holding its planned anniversary concert with trumpet legend Mike Lovatt as well as several other events.

Instead, Whitburn performed in an online concert in June 2020, produced by Ryan Bradley, and which featured Mike in action.

Rescheduled

When restrictions eased in Scotland a year later to allow brass bands to meet in-person the band spent the next few months preparing for appearances at the National, Dr Martin and the Scottish Open contests — enjoying victories at the latter two.

Now, with Scottish Covid/Omicron restrictions eased once more, the rescheduled concert with Mike will take place on Saturday, February 5th, at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston.

We are very excited to mark this event in our home county of West Lothian, and we are also very excited to perform with MikeWhitburn Band

Delighted

Speaking about the event, Charlie Farren, Whitburn Band President told 4BR: "We are delighted that after two years, our 150th anniversary concert will now happen.

We are very excited to mark this event in our home county of West Lothian, and we are also very excited to perform with Mike. It's sure to be a great night of music not to be missed."

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    


Sydney City

British Open Countdown: T minus 4

September 8 • Sydney City Brass is the latest Australian band to try an emulate their remarkable predecessors in winning the famous British Open Gold Shield.


Nationals

Churcher steps down from MD role at Camborne

September 8 • Dr Gareth Churcher has taken the decision to step down as Musical Director at Camborne


Milnrow

Milnrow to replace Tredegar at Brass in Concert

September 8 • Grand Shield champion takes place of Welsh contender at Brass in Concert.


yOUTH

Brass Bands England unable to offer BOPA service from 2027

September 8 • The Department for Education confirms BBE's National Body of Personal Approval will end in April 2027.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd