*
banner

B&D adds to the ranks

The Blackburn & Darwen Band has been adding extra players to the ranks.

Blackburnb
 

The Blackburn & Darwen Band has announced the arrival of three new players to the band.

Fitter

Tariq Ahmed returns after a twelve month sabbatical — slimmer and fitter due to his new passion in life, running. There is also a return for Tariq’s wife, Vicky on 2nd cornet whilst Gaz Williams returns on euphonium along with his fiancée Wendy on 3rd cornet from Dunaskin Doon.

These returns will see the band continue to progress as we head into summer with some new exciting concerts and an appearance at the Scottish Open later in the yearBlackburn & Darwen Band

New principal

Meanwhile, Sean Houlton takes over the role of principal cornet following a period as bumper up.

Band spokesperson Sue Speakman told 4BR: "These returns will see the band continue to progress as we head into summer with some new exciting concerts and an appearance at the Scottish Open later in the year."

Sue added: "The band would like to thank Alex Kretschmar, Anthony Higham, Charlotte Ankers and Catherine Anderson for their time with the band and we hope we see them all return in the future!"

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • Felling and Driffield take the first two title in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Fulham and Crystal Palace claim the titles on the first day at Stevenage.


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

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


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd