A brand-new series of six concerts featuring a number of Yorkshire bands alongside world class soloists is being held throughout 2024.

The driving force behind 'The Yorkshire Brass Band Festival' is Tony Sykes, the hugely respected concert promoter as well as professional Toastmaster.

Tony was brought up in a banding family, becoming a player and conductor and has been determined to give something back to the banding world as a personal dedication to the love and support given to him by his parents.

Yorkshire music making

He told 4BR: "These concerts are dedicated to my parents David and Joan Sykes and are aiming at providing concerts packed with music people can enjoy — great Yorkshire brass band music making and the very best soloists.

You really can't beat the sound of Yorkshire brass bands — and these are ones that deserve support. It's my intention to put any profits back into the tradition helping youngsters learn to play and keeping bands going."

Richard Marshall

The first concert of the series on Sunday 18th February will feature Altofts & Normanton Band conducted by Ian Hartshorne and special guest soloist Richard Marshall at Ossett Town Hall.

Following on each month at The Holiday Inn in Barnsley will be concerts by Dodworth Colliery Miners Welfare, Barnsley Brass, Kippax Brass, Lofthouse 2000 and Crofton Silver, with featured soloists including Alan Morrison and Kirsty Abbotts.

Relaxed atmosphere

The relaxed atmosphere means there are no reserved seats with seating at party tables with drinks available at the bar.

Tony added: "This is a series of events that supports grass roots banding, showcasing what it does best — playing entertaining music for the general public to enjoy and sprinkled with that extra bit of world class stardust.

The only insistence I have is that each bands plays an absolute cracker of a brass band march!"

Further information and schedule

For further information go to: www.tonysykesproductions.co.uk

Tickets for all events can by booked at: tony@tonysykesproductions.co.uk or calling 07885 322748

This is series of events that supports grass roots banding, showcasing what it does best — playing entertaining music for the general public to enjoy and sprinkled with that extra bit of world class stardustTony Sykes

Schedule:

Sunday 18th February:
Altofts & Normanton Band
Soloist: Richard Marshall
Ossett Town Hall (1.00pm)

Sunday 24th March
Dodworth Colliery MW Band
The Holiday Inn, Barnsley (1.00pm)

Sunday 21st April
Barnsley Brass
The Holiday Inn, Barnsley (1.00pm)

Sunday 19th May
Kippax Band
Soloist: Alan Morrison
The Holiday Inn, Barnsley (1.00pm)

Sunday 16th June
Lofthouse 2000 Band
Soloist: Kirsty Abbotts
The Holiday Inn, Barnsley (1.00pm)

Sunday 22nd September
Crofton Silver Band
Soloist: Kirsty Abbotts
The Holiday Inn, Barnsley (1.00pm)