*
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    


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Cory

Cory set for Orbital premiere

January 18 • A visit from the composer Richard Blackford and conductor Martyn Brabbins adds to the levels of preparation ahead of eagerly anticipated world premiere at RNCM Festival.


Whitburn

Whitburn awards youth and experience

January 18 • The Scottish champion presents its annual awards to players of all ages and experience who have done their bit to keep the organisation at the top of their game.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd