*
banner

Bannister makes Brighouse return

The soprano musical chairs now sees Andrew Bannister swap Grimethorpe for Brighouse.

Andrew Bannister in action
 

Brighouse & Rastrick has announced the return of soprano player Andrew Bannister with immediate effect.

Delighted

Andy commented: "I’m delighted to be coming back to Brighouse. I first played soprano here over 20 years ago and enjoyed five incredibly happy years.

To be able to return to my old seat is an exciting prospect and I just can't wait to get started and be part of the great B&R organisation once more."

Better moves

Paul Beaumont, entrepreneur and Band President remarked to 4BR: "It’s an interesting situation when Kevin Crockford leaves Brighosue to go back to Grimethorpe and Andy Bannister returns in the opposite direction because they have travel and time commitments that make the moves better for them both."

He added: "Anyway — we are very pleased to have Andy back in the fold and would like to take this opportunity to thank Kevin for his commitment and professionalism while he was with us. B&R has always carefully balanced our commitments with our family life, choosing quality and return from concerts over quantity."

Brighouse & Rastrick is looking forward to a very successful 2013 – and expect further news of additional star signings shortlyPaul Beaumont

Further signings

Paul also revealed: "Brighouse & Rastrick is looking forward to a very successful 2013 – and expect further news of additional star signings shortly.

After winning the National in both 2010 and 2011 and then coming second to a very worthy Foden’s in 2012 we are in fighting form and looking to refill our trophy cabinet."

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    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 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 moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd