*
banner

Early Summer at Skelmersdale

John Doyle certainly enjoyed himself recently at the Skelmersdale Slow Melody Contest.

John Doyle
 

Summer came early to the Lancashire town of Skelmersdale on Saturday, with the warming talent of local brass playing youngsters performing in the town’s inaugural Slow Melody Contest.

Tough time

The event, jointly organised by the Birch Green Brass Band and the West Lancashire Youth Brass Band saw 25 performers aged between 9 and 14 years of age compete over four sections under the watchful eyes (and ears!) of John Doyle, who had a tough but enjoyable time picking out the eventual winners.

Despite a few nerves, all the children performed well and more importantly enjoyed themselves, with many of them practically skipping home thanks to John’s positive and encouraging comments4BR

Delight

John was delighted with the obvious effort and enthusiasm of all the performers, for many of which was their first time playing a solo in public. Despite a few nerves, all the children performed well and more importantly enjoyed themselves, with many of them practically skipping home thanks to John’s positive and encouraging comments.

Celebration

The event was a real celebration about how well the Lancashire Music Service, local bands and schools in Skelmersdale have been working in partnership over the past three years with one another to promote Lancashire’s rich heritage of brass playing to young people.

To celebrate this even further, a joint concert will be held tonight at the Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre.

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    


uk fORUM

Endorsement and reservations from UKLBF to automatic National invitations

August 13 • The UK Leading Bands Forum has welcomed the return of the four band automatic invitation to Albert Hall Final — but with pointed reservations.


Presto

Make a presto decision to add to your recording collection...

August 13 • There are six more, new and classic CDs and downloads to consider as you build your brass collection through a new partnership between 4BR and Presto Music.


Star Crossed lovers

Fewer than 100 premium tickets left for British Open

August 13 • If you want to to snap up a ticket for the Stalls or Upper Circle for this year's British Open, then make sure you don't miss out.


Gregson

Gregson's Choice on National eve

August 13 • You can still grab a seat for the chance to hear an evening of great Edward Gregson music on the eve of the Albert Hall National Final from the ISB and Ian Bousfield.


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 8 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham GL51 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 15 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL52 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Wetherby & District Silver Band

August 14 • We have a back row cornet and horn seat available in our friendly, top end of third section band. Although we take our music seriously we also try to have as much fun as possible in the process! We rehearse Monday and Friday evenings 8-9:45pm in Wetherby


Epping Forest Band

August 11 • Epping Forest Band have a vacancy for a solo horn player.. We are a friendly social 3rd section band with a variety of concerts throughout the year.. We have our own band hut and are within easy distance of the M11 and the central line.


Ilkeston Brass

August 9 • Ilkeston Brass need a new MD! We are a 4th section band based in SE Derbyshire with a strong community presence. We have empty seats in the cornet section but a core of committed players fighting to keep the band going.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd