*
banner

Smithills head For London

Chris Wormald and Smithills Schools Senior Band are set to educate the educators in London.

Wormald
 

On Tuesday January 8th Smithills School Senior Brass Band and MD Chris Wormald have been invited by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust on behalf of the Government to perform for sixty education ministers and a host of invited special guests at a Gala Dinner to be held at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.

Chariots

Principal speaker will be Lord Puttnam, most famous for producing the Oscar winning film 'Chariots of Fire'. The evening will open with a brand new fanfare commissioned especially for the event and composed by Chris Wormald followed by a twenty minute concert programme by the band.

The evening will open with a brand new fanfare commissioned especially for the event and composed by Chris Wormald followed by a twenty minute concert programme by the band4BR

World Cup history

Prior to numerous multi-million pound refurbishments, the Royal Garden Hotel is best known for hosting the 1966 England World Cup winning team celebrations.

On Tuesday it will welcome many senior Government figures to the dinner, sponsored by the British Educational Suppliers Association, at which security is expected to be particularly tight.

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    


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


fUSION

Brass Fluxus — where brass banding meets avant-garde art

January 8 • Regent Brass joins an artistic fusion of Spike Jones, gags, games, Vaudeville, John Cage and Marcel Duchamp.


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd