*
banner

Thompson ends Main top flight involvement

Carlton Main Frickley say goodbye to a stalwart horn player who leaves Yorkshire champion on a high.

Carlton Main logo
 

After gaining their highest placed finish at the National Championship of Great Britain since 1960, Carlton Main Frickley has announced that after a great three year tenure with the band, first horn player Steve Thompson has decided to finish on a high.

Step back

Work commitments means that Steve has to relocate and he feels it is the ideal time to take a step back from top flight banding.

Great group

He told 4BR: "Carlton Main is a great group of people who I am proud to have played with. Leaving the band has already proved to be emotional and difficult, but I will always be supporting them wherever they perform.

It was great to be part of the band in gaining such a brilliant result on the weekend at the Royal Albert Hall."

Steve has been an integral part of our recent contest successes including the Yorkshire Area win and at London. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and hopes he won’t be a stranger to the bandroomCarlton Main

Thanks

A Carlton Main spokesperson added: "We would like to put on record our sincere thanks to Steve for everything he has done for the band, on the stage, in the bandroom and in his role as business manager.

Steve has been an integral part of our recent contest successes including the Yorkshire Area win and at London. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and hopes he won’t be a stranger to the bandroom."

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 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles 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


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd