*
banner

Friday interview with Kenny Crookston

We catch up with the CEO of Brass Bands England as the organisation looks forward to hosting a trio of important events — from the results of their recent Women in Banding survey to the National Youth and European Brass Band Championships.

cROOKSTON
  It will be a busy few months ahead for the CEO and his organisation

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

It's the Friday interview on 4BR and we are joined Kenny Crookston, CEO of Brass Bands England.

It follows news that the final batch of tickets has just gone on sale for the European Brass Band Championships that will be taking place in Birmingham between the 28th April and 1st May, as well as confirmation of the line-up of the 12 competing bands that will battle for the Blue Riband Championship Section title.

Before that though BBE hosts the National Youth Championships in Corby on the weekend of 26th and 27th March — with a fantastic line-up of playing talent on show.

All that and on Tuesday 22nd of February BBE is hosting a special webinar presentation where the results of its 'Women in Banding' survey will be released and discussed.

For more information go to:

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    


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


mINING

Brass band mining heritage celebrated

January 21 • Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum for England can now enjoy finding out more about the long and proud connection between brass bands and the industry.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


West Yorkshire Brass

January 20 • We are a friendly and welcoming non-competing band based in the Bradford area of West Yorkshire. We play at various events in Yorkshire throughout the year. We have vacancies for Eb and BBb basses. Instruments provided if required


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd