*
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    


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • The 2026 Dutch National Championships take place in Utrecht this weekend with 4BR covering the event at the TivoliVredenburg.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


The Dutch Youth Band

Dutch Youth gains national support until 2029

October 21 • The Dutch National Youth Brass Band will be supported by the NBK Foundation until 2029.


Tommy Tynan

Tynan launches online Tuba Shop

October 21 • The Black Dyke Band tuba star has launched his online store that caters for all things low brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Yorkshire Imperial

October 21 • Yorkshire Imperial is a high performing band with a proud tradition & we're currently looking for musicians who want to both make outstanding music & enjoy the journey. We have vacancies for BBb Bass, Percussion (tuned & untuned) & 2nd Horn.


Epping Forest Band

October 20 • Friendly and forward thinking 2nd section band requires a Solo Horn and Euphonium player to join our team. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground. We have a sensible mix of contests and concerts throughout the year.


Kibworth Band

October 19 • Kibworth Band (First Section - South Leicestershire) seeking percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious team. Any seat negotiable. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd