*
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    


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Derwent Brass

Results: 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass

November 1 • Derwent Brass leads the entertainment prize winners in Evesham, with section titles for Fulham Brass, Staines Brass, Avonbank (Evesham) and Arrow Valley Brass.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


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

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires a percussionist. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires an Eb bass player. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd