*
banner

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.

Youth Fest
  The sign of the times...

Barnet in North London was recently filled with the sound of brass banding with the staging of Brass Bands England's second 'Youth Fest'.

Held at its popular 'artsdepot' cultural venue, the non-competitive event emphasised the importance of participation, collaboration, and the enjoyment of music-making.

It saw the audience treated to a vibrant programme of accessible repertoire — ideal for young performers and those just beginning their brass band journey.

Performances and workshops

In addition to the on-stage performances, bands also took part in interactive workshops run by BBE's Brass Foundations team, offering players the chance to explore new music and develop their ensemble skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Those taking part included: Gospel Oak Primary School (London); Haberdashers Elstree Prep Schools (Elstree); Camden Youth Brass (London); Harting CE Primary School (West Sussex); Barnet Education Arts Trust — Training Brass Band (London); Barnet Youth Brass Band (London) andSt Albans City Youth Band.

Incredible energy

Reflecting on the successful day, BBE's Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Baumann told 4BR: "The energy was incredible. To see so many young musicians on stage having fun and playing their hearts out: It's exactly what Youth Fest is all about."

Among the event's special guests was Councillor Danny Rich, the Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, who praised the commitment of the young musicians, saying that it had been "a great privilege"to be able to recognize the dedication and effort that was on show, and that it has been "an honour"to host the event.

The atmosphere was relaxed and encouraging, and it was wonderful to see so many brilliant young performers having fun making music togetherBarnet Youth Brass Band

Performance fun

Peter Yarde Martin, Musical Director of Barnet Youth Brass Band also expressed his delight in being able to take part, adding: "We had so much fun performing. Our musicians enjoyed learning pieces by ear in a street brass workshop, hearing other young bands play, and performing our own set of pieces in front of an enthusiastic audience!

The atmosphere was relaxed and encouraging, and it was wonderful to see so many brilliant young performers having fun making music together."

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    


nybbgb

Celebration theme for National Youth Band concert in London

July 9 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be in musical celebration mode for their Summer Concert in London next month.


ai rOBOT

Artists combine with AI to win composition prize

July 9 • AI technology fuses with the 'human essence' to create award winning compositions in global competition.


pRESTOCDS

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

July 8 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Mereside Brass

July 9 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

July 9 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Petworth Town Band

July 7 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, TUBA and BASS TROMBONE. We are an enthusiastic band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome you to join us and our inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd