*
banner

Leyland back on track

Leyland are back at the British Open — and delighted to have met a top priority for 2008.

Leyland
 

The Leyland Band has told 4BR that it is thrilled with its victory at the Grand Shield contest in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Saturday.

The band has finally re-qualified for the British Open and is delighted to be performing once again in Birmingham’s resplendent Symphony Hall.

Top of list

MD Jason Katsikaris told 4BR: "When I joined Leyland at the start of the year, I chatted at length with the players and administrative associates about our desired goals for the year ahead. Winning the Grand Shield was top of everyone’s list. We can now continue to grow as a band with a great sense of relief and satisfaction."

I was extremely pleased with the band’s preparation and our performance on stage reflected our hard work in the bandroom over the previous weeksMD, Jason Katsikaris

Massive boost

Jason continued: "I was extremely pleased with the band’s preparation and our performance on stage reflected our hard work in the bandroom over the previous weeks. Winning the contest and qualifying for the British Open in such a convincing manner will provide a massive boost for the band."

He added: "Participation in the Open is a real privilege and, during the last few years of absense, is something that Leyland Band will never take for granted. We would like to thank Martin and Karen Mortimer for their invitation. It truly is an honour."

Solo Award

The members of the band also took the opportunity to congratulate Eb bass soloist Chris Doran who took the Best Instrumentalist prize in the event.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "His loyalty and contribution to Leyland Band is immense, both as a player and in an organisational role, and the band is delighted for him."

Thanks

Leyland also took the opportunity to express its thanks to Willebroek’s star cornet player Raf van Loovern who travelled to England to play tutti cornet with the band at the contest.

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    


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Lewis Barton

Barton broadcast launches NXTOD series

September 26 • A new series rom NXTOD films will start with a showcase of the recital talents of rising star Lewis Barton.


Oldroyd

Oldroyd EVO continues to make its mark on performers

September 26 • The maker says it is attracting interest and customers for instruments with incredible potential.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd