*
banner

Play your part and get swabbed for Sykes

Get registered today and you could be playing your part in fighting blood cancer.

Stephen Sykes
  Get registered and you can help Stephen Sykes and thousands of other people

The brass band movement is gearing up to support former Tredegar trombone star Stephen Sykes who is continuing his treatment in his battle with lymphoma.

Players are being asked to register with the DKMS organisation, which was launched in the UK in February 2013 with a key mission to register lifesaving blood stem cell donors.

By registering and getting a package to undertake a 2 minute swab which is sent for possible match analysis you could be helping to save lives. Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer such as Leaukemia, Lymphoma or Myeloma.

Support

Stephen mum, Joanne told 4BR. "Stephen has had so much support from the brass band movement all over the world, and this treatment could well help him and thousands of others. It's easy to register and the swab takes just a couple of minutes and is sent off to see if it is a match."

Stephen has had so much support from the brass band movement all over the world, and this treatment could well help him and thousands of othersJoanne Sykes

Sign up

Tredegar Band MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "We will be signing up as many people as possible and hope that others do the same. This is such important research, so please take the time to register and help."

4BR Editor Iwan Fox has followed many and has signed up. "The registration process is quick and easy and you can make an immediate donation if you wish to as well. A couple of minutes of your time can make such a huge difference."

Go to:

Go to: https://www.dkms.org.uk/en

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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd