*
banner

From Hargreaves to Wallace & Gromit for WFEL Fairey

This weekend the WFEL Fairey Band will celebrate two very different anniversaries in Birmingham and Beaminster.

wfel fAIREY
  The band will perform in Birmingham and Beaminster

The WFEL Fairey Band will be busy this weekend as they celebrate the anniversaries of characters as well as supporters who have brought joy to countless people.

Wallace & Gromit

On Saturday (25th March) they take to the stage at Birmingham Town Hall (doors open 2.30pm for 3.00pm start) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Wallace & Gromit — and their incredible 'Wrong Trousers'.

The band has teamed up with creators Aardman to accompany the amazing stop-motion film about Wallace, a good-natured, eccentric, cheese-loving inventor, and Gromit, his loyal and intelligent anthropomorphic beagle.

It's brilliant family entertainment and has already seen well over 600 tickets sold for the event — so you had better be quick to grab a seat.

https://bmusic.co.uk/events/wallace-and-gromit-the-wrong-trousers-with-live-brass-band

Tony and Margaret

The following day they head to Beaminster in West Dorset for a 43rd consecutive visit to perform at St Mary's Church to a packed brass band congregation that will included perhaps their most dedicated supporters — Tony and Margaret Greenham.

It will be the final time the pair will officially welcome the band to their fine home where they have provided a wonderful meal to fuel the afternoon performance.

On this occasion the band will travel from Birmingham for a Saturday evening meal and a relaxing evening with them, before another Sunday dinner will stoke them up for the Sunday afternoon performance at the Church.

Incredible connection

Speaking to 4BR, Tony said: "It's been an incredible connection — and one we have enjoyed every minute of. It all started with Fairey Band concert in nearby Crewkerne when we met bass player Cliff Colwell.

From there he got us in touch with Walter Hargreaves who said he would bring the band down for a concert and a crate of whisky for himself! They have returned every year since to provide wonderful entertainment and to renew friendships."

From there he got us in touch with Walter Hargreaves who said he would bring the band down for a concert and a crate of whisky for himself!Tony Greenham

Warm welcome

He added: "Brian Taylor is the only player who remains from the original concert, but I'm delighted to say that although as we are both 87 years of age we will be stepping down for organising event, the local Music Festival will ensure that it will continue.

I can also assure the band that there will always be a warm welcome and food and friendship for them at our home too for many more years to come."

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    


Syndey

Results: 2025 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships

April 20 • Sydney City becomes the inaugural Premier Championships of Australia as senior National titles head to Footscray-Yarraville City, Cairns Brass No. 1, Wonthaggi Citizensand City of Ballarat Municipal Brass.


Wobplay

Wobplay offers global opportunities at Euros

April 19 • There will be plenty of advertising opportunities for businesses as part of the comprehensive weekend of live-broadcast action from the European Championships in Stavanger.


Russell Gray

Gray to host double conducting seminars

April 19 • Aspiring conductors can enjoy the opportunity to work alongside Russell Gray in Scotland and Norway next month as he hosts his Conducting Seminars in Bathgate and Askoy.


Siusa

Jena pride at Sousa inclusion

April 19 • Jose Sousa will become the fifth young player from the Jena Brass Band Centre in Germany to represent the nation as part of the European Youth Brass Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Concert Brass have a Bb BASS vacancy - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Concert Brass have a vacancy in their TROMBONE section - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Band (championship section) are looking for a PERCUSSIONIST to join them from Sep 25. The band perform in concerts across the region and a number of contests each year. This is a brilliant opportunity to work with Musical Director Chris King.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd