*
banner

Christmas spirit flows for Friary

A trio of performances in a brewery, church and shopping centre round off a bust 2023 for Friary Brass Band.

Friary
  The events rounded off a busy 2023 for the band

Friary Brass has been enjoying a busy festive period with a series of local concerts.

These included appearances helping the Christmas 'spirit' flow at The Hog's Back brewery, as well as at Teddington Baptist Church, where they also showcased two works from their recent 'Shipping Forecast' Brass in Concert programme alongside the seasonal favourites.

Cromarty and Thames

Simon Dobson's tranquil flugel solo 'Cromarty', was played by Lauren Straker, whilst there was also the opportunity to enjoy the clever medley of nursery rhymes in 'Thames', from the pen of Callum Au.

A busy weekend was rounded off less than 24 hour later with players braving the elements for four hours of carolling at the local Meadows shopping centre, which helped to raise £380 which will be divided equally between the band, the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, and locally based charity Sebastian's Action Trust which supports seriously ill children and their families.

Delight

Band Chairman David Wicks told 4BR: "This year has seen many changes for Friary, so it was a real delight for our final performances of 2023 to be centred around the constant of Christmas."

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    


Alison Balsom OBE

Mail headline highlights depressing attitudes towards female performers

August 30 • The decision of multiple award winning trumpet player Alison Balsom to retire from the concert stage has been met with an awful objectifying Daily Mail headline.


mORTIMER tROPHY

Mortimer Maestro Trophy ready for a new home

August 30 • For the 35th time this year a Mortimer Maestro Trophy will be presented to the conductor of the British Open Champion.


Mental Health

Crofton to continue support for mental health awareness with new project

August 30 • Yorkshire band takes a proactive approach to mental health wellbeing series of initiatives around their music making.


Brett Baker

Final touches in place for Baker heroics

August 30 • Brett Baker's latest solo CD release will be available at the Royal Albert Hall.


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Petworth Town Band

August 30 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We would welcome new players to join our band


Enderby Band

August 30 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire, Championship section) seek: . 2nd EUPHONIUM, Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). . We are an ambitious, friendly band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


Stretford Band

August 30 • Our community based Stretford Band (Manchester) needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic bass, trombone and percussion players or any player who fancies a relaxed blow without the pressure of competition. No auditions. Good fun guaranteed. . .


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd