*
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    


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...


Gala Theatre

Durham focus for North of England Area contenders

March 19 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and York later in the year.


Stevanage

Bands get ready for London & SC Area challenges

March 19 • Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre will host 76 bands battling for National Finals qualification this weekend.


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


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd