*
banner

On a wing and a prayer for Foresters Brass

This is a Brass the Baton relay like no other...

Foresters
 

A bird of prey will take centre stage at a 'Brass the Baton' relay event this weekend.

Leicester based Foresters Brass 2000 will be playing their part in the grounds Oakham Castle on Sunday, where the idea of having the bird of prey swoop down, grasp the baton in its talons, and then fly off over the audience will take place.

Nervous

Foresters’ MD Peter Collins is understandably a bit nervous as he told 4BR:

"Too right I’m rather nervous! However experts from the Rutland Falconry Centre will be on stage to look after me and luckily I have another baton to conduct the rest of the concert. We’re really delighted to be involved in this project though – it’ll be part of what promises to be a fantastic evening of live music."

Too right I’m rather nervous! However experts from the Rutland Falconry Centre will be on stage to look after me and luckily I have another baton to conduct the rest of the concertMD, Peter Collins

Passed on

The baton is being brought to the event by players from Coleshill Town Band, with the next port at Andover Town Band.

Chairman Dan Baker told 4BR: "We’re also playing a specially commissioned piece of music as the baton vanishes into the distance.

Rutland Falconry Centre will of course return the baton to us, and we’ll then transport it via more conventional means to Andover! We’re not expecting the falcon to actually fly with the baton all the way 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    


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


BBSS

BBSS delegates prepare for 40th anniversary concert

August 5 • Over 160 musicians from 12 countries will provide the 40th anniversary celebrations on the Brass Band Summer School course in Gloucestershire on Friday.


Fairlop Brass

Busy Fairlop help make brass on the grass pay

August 5 • Fairlop Brass has been busy providing entertainment for good causes and great people.


DOODLES

Don't be late to get prepared

August 5 • Doodles Mouthpiece replating services is reminding players to get that essential summer refurbishment done in time for the start of the second half of the contesting year.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd