*
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    


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Ashley DIXON

Ashley's life affirming donation

September 2 • The Foden's baritone player Ashley Dixon has donated her life giving stem cells to help a father of two children.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd