*
banner

Enjoy a festive sheep dip at the RNCM

WFEL Fairey Band joins forces with Aardman Animation and the RNCM in Manchester to bring a brace of Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas performances, workshops and even a bit of Strictly for everyone to enjoy!

Shaun the Sheep
  The twin screenings form part of a great Family Christmas Day on December 17th at the RNCM

The WFEL Fairey Band is to join forces with students from the Royal Northern College of Music's Brass Department for a special festive film treat.

Together they will provide the musical accompaniment to two showings of 'Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas' at the RNCM on Sunday 17th December as part of its Christmas Family Day (10.00am and 2.15pm)

Performances and workshops

That not only sees a screening of the film with the live music accompaniment but includes workshops and activities, including a Super Mario Sound track event, Circus Skills, Make a Shaun the Sheep Christmas Decoration and even a Strictly Come Christmas Dance Workshop!

RNCM Head of Creative Engagement Fiona Stuart told 4BR: "'We're proud to be partnering with the WFEL Fairey Band and Aardman Animation for our annual Family Day. It promises to be a real festive treat for families and supports the RNCM's commitment to staging exciting and innovative new work for audiences."

The link follows the partnership between the RNCM and WFEL Fairey Band last year which saw a live screening of the Academy Award® winning short film 'Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers' as part of a celebration of its 30th anniversary.

Not once but twice

WFEL Fairey Band's James Parkinson, who has been a driving force in bringing brass and plasticine sheep together added: "Aardman and the RNCM have been keen to work with us on this great Christmas project.

It's been many months in preparation and thanks to the support of both we are sure it is going to be fantastic event — not once but twice!"

The score for 'Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas' has been specially transcribed for brass band for this unique tour screening in association with Aardman and Tom Howe.

It's been many months in preparation and thanks to the support of both we are sure it is going to be fantastic event — not once but twice!WFEL Fairey Band

Festive tale

It tells the story of Christmas Eve at Mossy Bottom Farm — and the hilarious shenanigans of Shaun and his friends as they try to get 'lost sheep' Timmy back home in time for Christmas.

Will Shaun succeed of has he found his match in feisty farmer's daughter, Ella?

With its mix of jokes and high jinks, nods to classic films and brilliant visual humour to go with the tremendous music people of all ages will enjoy finding out about the true value of Christmas!

Book your tickets

The two performances take place at the RNCM on Sunday 17th December as part of its Christmas Family Day (10.00am and 2.15pm)

Tickets for the morning and afternoon sessions cost £13 each (including a £1 booking fee)

To find out more and book go to:
https://www.rncm.ac.uk/performance/rncm-christmas-family-day-shaun-the-sheep-2/

Sunday 17th December: 10.00am


https://www.quaytickets.com/rncm/en-GB/events/rncm%20christmas%20family%20day-%20shaun%20the%20sheep/2023-12-17_10.00/rncm%20concert%20hall?hallmap

Sunday 17th December: 2.15 pm


https://www.quaytickets.com/rncm/en-GB/events/rncm%20christmas%20family%20day-%20shaun%20the%20sheep/2023-12-17_14.15/rncm%20concert%20hall?hallmap

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 .


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd