*
banner

Summer spectacular at Wardle

It was all thrills and spills at Wardle recently as they signed off for the Summer with something truly spectacular.

Wardle
 

Last Staurday Wardle High School hosted an all day musical extravaganza known as their Summer Spectacular.

The afternoons events focused on the local primary schools musical ensembles who all performed to a packed out 400 strong audience.

Thrilled

The concert featured Smithy Bridge Primary Brass Band, Kentmere Primary Brass Ensemble, Whitworth Junior Band, Milnrow Junior Band, Healey Primary Brass Ensemble, St James Primary Brass band, Wardle High School Training Band and a first performance by both the Wardle Cheerleaders and the Wardle High School Wind Band who's 48 players were thrilled to take part in their inaugural concert.

It is a fantastic testament to the many and varied musical talents that we are proud to showcase not just in our school but in the many local primary schools and musical ensembles we have in our areaDeputy Head, Colette Burgess

Evening festivities

A short break was had to change the stage and then the evenings festivities were to take place. Featuring Wardle High School's Big Band, Junior Band, Intermediate Band and two guests for the evening; Wardle Anderson Brass Band — current 2nd Section North West Regional Champions and guest vocalist Shane Hammill who wowed the crowds with his 'Rat Pack' collection.

Climax

The whole evening came to a tumultuous climax with a massed bands item conducted by Wardle's Head of Music Paul Lovatt-Cooper who directed Mussorgsky's "The Great Gate of Kiev" which was performed outside by a brass band of 152 members to a professional choreographed firework display.

Bigger and bigger

Colette Burgess, Deputy Head of Wardle High School commented to 4BR: "We stage this event every year and it just keeps getting bigger and better. It is a fantastic testament to the many and varied musical talents that we are proud to showcase not just in our school but in the many local primary schools and musical ensembles we have in our area. I cannot wait for next summer already!"

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    


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

September 3 • Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

September 3 • Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd