*
banner

Fairey's Festive Farewells

Fairey to say festive farewell to two outstanding young players.

Fairey
 

A busy, but successful few months will be brought to a close for the Fairey Band when they perform their annual concert at Stockport Town Hall later this month.

Outstanding

This year’s event sees Fairey saying farewell to two of its outstanding young players, solo horn, Chris Pannell and soprano Mark Harrison. Both have contributed much to the band’s renaissance over the past few years.

Chris Pannell joined Fairey from the Hepworth Band in April 2004 and has since gone on to become one of the band’s most consistent performers, winning the band’s Player of the Year award in 2005.

Faireys would like to wholeheartedly thank both Chris and Mark for their contribution to the band and wish them well in the futureFairey Band

Tinge of regret

Chris, with a tinge of regret, is taking a break from banding to pursue other interests. He is also getting married next year for which the band offers its best wishes.

Leading player

Mark Harrison only joined Fairey in October 2007, but in that time has quickly established himself as one of the leading soprano players of his generation.

However, as a first year trumpet student at the RNCM in Manchester, Mark has decided that he would like to fully concentrate on that aspect of his career. We are sure it won’t be the last time he puts a soprano to his lips however.

Thanks

Fairey's spokesperson told 4BR: "Faireys would like to wholeheartedly thank both Chris and Mark for their contribution to the band and wish them well in the future. The band is now actively in the process of searching for their successors."

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    


Brisbane Exclesior

Results: 2026 Yamaha Australian National Championships

April 5 • Brisbane Excelsior regains National title with Grade honours to Willoughby Band No. 2, Whitehorse Brass, Hyde Street Youth, City of Ballarat Municipal Brass, Box Hill Academy Brass and Brisbane State High School Brass.


Principals

National Youth sets out musical principals ahead of twin concerts

April 5 • The 90 young players of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are being out through their paces ahead of their twin Easter Course performances.


Elgar Festival

Elgar attractions gain ticket take up

April 5 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke, Foden's, Flowers, David Childs and the RBC Brass Band are attracting the crowds for their Elgar International Festival of Brass appearances.


BBCA

Pankhurst and Wainwright works to test conductor skills

April 5 • 'Ghosts of Industry' and 'Metamorphosis on Finlandia' will test the 10 semi-finalists in the Brass Band Conductors' Association Conducting Competition in June.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet Brass Quintet

Tuesday 7 April • Charlton House. Charlton Road . London SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


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


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 3 • We have vacancies for a trombone player and a bass player. Cleethorpes Band rehearse near the seafront on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the NOE 4th section. Other players are always welcome as we may be able to switch positions around


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • . Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd