*
banner

Agnew enjoys testing match at Melton

BBC cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew has updated listeners around the world of his ongoing joy at returning to brass banding.

Melton
  The band recently welcomed the signing of broadcaster and former test cricket Jonathan Agnew

Following the news reported on 4BR that the well-known BBC cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew had returned to brass banding with the Melton Band, the former England test-match bowler has given an update on live on air of how much he is enjoying his euphonium playing after a 45-year break.

Lords update

It came on the first day of the recent Lords test match between England and the West Indies, where his fellow BBC 'Test Match Special' broadcaster Phil Tufnell mischievously asked how he had been getting on with his new hobby.

Agnew responded that he was thoroughly enjoying it after he heard the band in a local concert and "the old tingle came back!"

Having expressed his interest to one of the players, a band euphonium was dropped off to his front door, and despite his acknowledged terrible memory, he soon got to grips with the fingering which he said at times "goes like the clappers".

Join the line-up

Now, in addition to attending weekly Tuesday night rehearsals which afterwards always conclude with a trip to a nearby hostelry, Agnew, whose first two test wickets were the West Indian legends of Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards, is hoping that other former brass band players will join him at the band.

Enjoy

You can hear him talking about his association with the band at around 5 hours 41 mins in the broadcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002121q

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    


British Open

Livestream broadcasts brought in-house for Spring Festival and British Open

April 16 • The 2026 Spring Festival and British Open Championships will be broadcast in a new link between the organisers and Red Shell Productions.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB ready to add to plaudits in Manchester

April 16 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will head to the RNCM in Manchester this weekend.


BBE Young Leaders

Brass Bands England to help new youth leaders

April 16 • A course aimed at enhancing specialised skills to inspire the next generation of brass band players is launched with increased capacity by BBE.


Field of the Cloth of Gold

Wright & Round: Field of the Cloth of Gold (Philip Harper)

April 16 • An exciting concert work that recalls a historic summit of superpowers...


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd