*
banner

Northop youngsters gain their Blue Peter Badge

The young players of Northop Youth Band have gained their famous Blue Peter Badge by helping celebrate Christmas on the famous children's programme.

Northop with Barney
 

Northop Youth Band has made sure it has gained a famous ‘Blue Peter Badge’ after the youngsters headed to Manchester to be filmed taking part in the programme’s Christmas Special programme.

Carol playing

Broadcast on Thursday 19th December, the 30 players were invited by the BBC along with the choir of Birkenhead Girls choir and the Salvation Army to perform the carol ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’.

MD Dave Davies told 4BR that it proved to be a fantastic experience and opportunity for the band whose ages range from 9 to 17.

The band arrived at the BBC in Manchester to spend a day rehearsing and recording, finally leaving at 6.30pm.

Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood spent the day with Northop earlier on in the year when he was set a challenge to play the trombone, and was delighted to meet up with them again at the studio4BR

Presenter

Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood spent the day with Northop earlier on in the year when he was set a challenge to play the trombone, and was delighted to meet up with them again at the studio.

The performance was conducted by former Northop player Paul Mealor who now is Professor of Music at Aberdeen University.

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    


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Festival Brass Band

Vertommen to lead Festival Brass at Belgian Championships

November 5 • The experienced Luc Vertommen will lead Festival Brass Band in Heist-op-den-Berg later this month as MD Senne La Mela takes principal cornet role.


Get marching

Morley March Contest boosted

November 5 • The popular march contest adds to its attractions for 2027.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit horns to complete our line-up for the Area contest next year. The position is negotiable. Hade Edge are a friendly second band who rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45 till 9.45 in a fantastic purpose built bandroom


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

November 5 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd