*
banner

Downton look to old friends to help 150th anniversary celebrations

It is hoped as many former players of the Downton Band as possible will return to help the organisation celebrate its 150th anniversary next month.

Downton Band
  The band was formed 150thyears ago.

The Downton Band organisation is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, culminating in a special one-off Gala Concert concert held in the historic Moot Gardens in its village on Sunday the 9th of July.

The event will feature its beginners, training and senior bands in performance alongside a special reunion band, which they hope will be filled with as many former members as possible.

More

Speaking about the initiative, MD Paul Williams said: "We already have several former players signed up to perform in this special concert, but it would be lovely to have more to make it a huge event!

We are delighted to say that one of the band's former conductor Roland Wright will be conducting the reunion band. All we need now is our former players to come back and celebrate 150 years of brass playing in the village."

The band have some spare instruments for those that need to borrow one and they will be having a rehearsal beforehand on 2nd July.

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    


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Linz

rooms4groups has European Championship deals ready to go

December 11 • The hotel specialists have plenty of great deals for people heading to Linz for the European Championships next year.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd