*
banner

Forfar enjoy delayed celebrations

The 125th anniversary celebrations of Forfar Instrumental Band have been marked by awards and new music.

Forfar
  Bruce Dorward was presented with his 'Life Membership' award

Despite a Covid-19 delay that meant that their 125th year anniversary celebrations were put on hold for twelve months, Forfar Instrumental Band has ensured that they were well worth waiting for.

New commission

They have done just with a brand-new commission from composer Alan Fernie entitled, 'The Lion of Strathmore', which the band worked on during a recent full-day workshop followed by a free concert for the local community.

The band was aided by friends from Dundee Instrumental Band and the day flew by thanks to Alan's wonderful music and sense of humour.

The concert was also a great success and also featured two new player awards. The Terry Jackson Memorial Award was presented to euphonium player Jane Crompton, whilst the Bruce Dorward Award as the 'Most Improved Player' went to percussionist Angus Crompton.

Presentation

There was also a wonderful surprise presentation to baritone player Bruce Dorward (above).

He was presented with a Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) honorary 'Life Membership' award in recognition of 50 years of dedicated brass band service. He was presented with a commemorative quaich by Jim Wishart on behalf of SBBA.

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    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd