*
banner

Man in black converts to brass bands

Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey appears to have made the right decision to become a fan of brass band music...

Mark Halsey
 

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey is the latest high profile convert to brass bands after he attended a recent concert given by Smithills Schools Senior Brass Band.

Man in black

The man in black, who retired as a ref in 2013 and now works on BT Sports football coverage, attended the Smithills Christmas Concert after first hearing the band in action at Bolton Wanderer's Reebok Stadium.

He and his wife Michelle were so impressed that they asked if they could attend a future Smithills event, and sat alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, they described their latest concert experience as ‘inspirational’.

He signed copies of his book at the Smithills concert, money from which is going to the Senior Brass Band’s America 2014 tour fund4BR

Invite

Mark has now invited the band to London in 2014 to perform at major football charity events in which he is involved.

The respected ref’s autobiography was published in September. He signed copies of his book at the Smithills concert, money from which is going to the Senior Brass Band’s America 2014 tour fund.

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    


Louis Dowdeswell

Dowdeswell ready for final print run

October 15 • The new album from trumpet star Louis Dowdeswell is set to bring high intensity brass to the classics .


Rochdale Contest

Bands ready for Rochdale own-choice challenges

October 15 • There are plenty of bands and plenty of musical choice to enjoy at the Rochdale Contest this weekend.


Wychavon

Wychavon Festival of Brass line-ups confirmed

October 15 • There will be a full day of entertainment at The De Montfort School in Evesham later this month.


Boscombe

Boscombe to welcome Black Dyke Band for 140th anniversary

October 15 • Boscombe Band of the Salvation Army will welcome Black Dyke Band for a joint concert to celebrate 140 years of music making and worship.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd