There has been a great deal of interest from brass band lovers to a brand-new series of six concerts featuring Yorkshire bands alongside world class soloists to be held throughout 2024.

As reported on 4BR, the driving force behind 'The Yorkshire Brass Band Festival' is Tony Sykes, the hugely respected concert promoter as well as professional Toastmaster.

Marshall heads first concert

Tony was brought up in a banding family, and his determination to give something back to the grass roots of the movement has seen him organise six concerts — starting with the first on Sunday 18th February at Ossett Town Hall.

It will feature Altofts & Normanton Band conducted by Ian Hartshorne alongside special guest soloist Richard Marshall.

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

Supporting grass roots

Speaking to 4BR Tony Sykes said: "We hear so much about supporting the grass roots banding — and this is exactly what I have done.

Supporting these bands is vital to safeguarding the future of our movement — and I'm heartened that we have had such an encouraging start. This is about enjoying hearing bands that provide the lifeblood of our movement performing with the very best soloists — and I hope plenty of people will support us."

He added: "They will be concerts of traditional brass band music making — with 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 about enjoying hearing bands that provide the lifeblood of our movement performing with the very best soloists — and I hope plenty of people will support usTony 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)