*
banner

Smithills wet and wonderful Whit Friday

In spite of the weather, they was plenty to smile about for Smithills Schools Band on the Whit Friday circuit this year.

Smithills
 

In spite of some the worst weather conditions experienced on Whit Friday, Smithills School Senior Brass Band and MD Chris Wormald were delighted to finish their drenched evening as 2009 Youth Champions.

Prize money

With 4 wins, 2 second places, 1 best deportment and 1 best junior player from seven Saddleworth villages, Smithills enjoyed their most successful ever Whit Friday financially, as well as musically, with well over £400 in prize money more to be confirmed.

...at Scouthead the players were literally shaking with cold but gave their best performance of the night in winning thereMD, Chris Wormald

Totally soaked

Chris Wormald told 4BR: "Being totally soaked through, hailed on and frozen at Lees, Grotton and then Lydgate, we discussed the serious possibility of calling the evening to a halt and heading home to Bolton.

"The camaraderie amongst band members was superb but the enjoyment was certainly questionable due to the horrendous weather."

Shaking with cold

Chris added: "Of course, at that stage we didn’t know what a successful start to the evening we had enjoyed, but by 11pm at Scouthead the players were literally shaking with cold but gave their best performance of the night in winning there."

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    


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Queensbury

Last chord for Lewis at Queensbury Music Centre

June 21 • The double Yorkshire Area title winner thanks MD Chris Lewis after he decides to step down from conducting role.


Frank Mathison

Death of Frank Mathison

June 21 • The death has been announced of the former bass trombone player of the London Symphony Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Foden's

Foden's and friends...

June 21 • The North West Area champion was joined by six friendly bands for a great evening of community music making.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd