*
banner

Big Melt screen debut for Unite

Unite the Union Band make their big screen debut in critically acclaimed film and music partnership with pop star Jarvis Cocker.

Unite The Big Melt
 

Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) Band has continued its partnership with pop star Jarvis Cocker with the big screen debut of his film ‘The Big Melt’ in Sheffield.

Soundtrack

The film featured the live soundtrack from the critically acclaimed sell out concert at the Crucible Theatre in June this year.

Commissioned by BBC Storyville and BBC North in Association with the BFI using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, ‘The Big Melt’ takes a century of film from the BFI archives, under film director Martin Wallace and combines it with the talents of Jarvis Cocker and his friends in the Sheffield music scene to forge a new musical experience.

Soul of a nation

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It aims to bring a music and film journey into the soul of a nation, bringing to life the ghosts of our past, taking us into the belly of the furnaces and showing how our souls have been stamped from the mighty presses of our industrial heritage.

It's a new kind of heavy metal music with pictures. You will never look at a fork in the same way again."

The brass band, split into two, enter from both side doors of the theatre, bleeding from stereo into thundering mono as they meet on stage floorDaniel Dylan Wray, The Independent newspaper

Applause

Unite the Union Brass Band was one of the highlights of the show, receiving thunderous applause as they finished their set.

Daniel Dylan Wray writing for ‘The Independent’ newspaper commented: "The brass band, split into two, enter from both side doors of the theatre, bleeding from stereo into thundering mono as they meet on stage floor."

He went on to say: "This was a remarkable marriage of music, film and British history."

BBC release

The film will be shown on the BBC in January 2014, and there are hopes to perform the live show again in other parts of the country in the summer.

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    


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

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


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd