*
banner

Fishburn 'overjoyed' at Armstrong

The Fishburn Band are reported to be 'overjoyed' at the signing of horn star Martin Armstrong ahed of the area contest next weekend.

Fishburn
 

The Fishburn Band has informed 4BR that they are 'overjoyed' that Martin Armstrong has returned to the band on solo horn.

Overjoyed

A clearly delighted Secretary Jeff Bell told 4BR: "We are overjoyed by the news. Martin's had a very successful time since he first played for the band with Foden's, Black Dyke and Grimethorpe and has joined in time for the North East Regionals.

Martin will team up again with Russell Gray, who directed Leyland to the National Finals victory whilst he was a member there."

To have a player of Martins calibre, professionality and experience come to the band is excellent. It's a massive boost for us, and will give us a much needed liftJeff Bell

Massive Boost

Jeff added: "To have a player of Martins calibre, professionality and experience come to the band is excellent. It's a massive boost for us, and will give us a much needed lift."

Over the Moon

Meanwhile Martin told 4BR: "I'm over the moon to return to Fishburn and can't wait to get to work in helping the band push forward."

The band welcomes other additions in Anna Ferguson (rep), Jane Bateman (cornet), Eileen Derin (horn), Andy Hunter (trombone), as well as the much appreciated return of Suzanne Kay.

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    


Spring Festival

Spring Festival feedback welcomed by Mortimers

May 5 • If you have constructive feedback to offer on the recent Spring Festival weekend, then the organisers welcome your responses.


podcast

4BR Review podcast — European and Spring Festival focus

May 5 • Plenty of issues to discuss on the live podcast this Wednesday at 7.00pm — and you can have your say.


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


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


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Glossop Old Band

May 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


East London Brass

May 5 • Solo Cornet: fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Chinnor Silver

May 5 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (11th) at 11am and welcome players of all abilities.. Come and enjoy a relaxed rehearsal mixed genres of music with some very friendly folks with tea and cake. It does not impact your own band and its free


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd