*
banner

Garforth revived after 4BR spotlight

A never say die attitude and great long terms plans attract new players to Garforth Brass.

Garforth
 

After their story was highlighted on 4BR which showed the ‘never say die’ attitude of Garforth Brass, the Yorkshire band has reported that their well publicised desire to work towards a long term sustainable future has proved a clarion call to enthusiastic, committed players.

Welcome signings

Now the band has reported that they have welcomed a number of new faces to the band — led by the vastly experienced Alun Perry on principal cornet.

He has been joined by seasoned trumpet jazz musician Tom Lilley as ‘bumper-up’ who is now loving his new found involvement in the brass band environment.

The back row cornets are boosted by Lisa Thorpe, whilst the solo horn and first horn seats has been filled by Emma Binns and Sam Watson.

Troms and lower brass

Liz Edwards joins from Haworth Brass on solo euphonium and is joined by Adrian Longbottom.

The trombone section see the welcome signing of principal Nick Crawley, first trombone Sam Hughes and bass trombone Richard Jones.

The bass section is added to by solo EEb tuba Steve Hayward, whilst the percussion section welcomes brothers Jake and Jack Manktelow.

From the abyss

MD, Mark Wildie told 4BR: "From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracle — and it has all come about after our plight, our determination and our well thought out future plans were publicised on 4BR."

From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracleMD, Mark Wildie

Fantastic job

He added: "Band Manager Christine Keith has done a fantastic job sometimes working through the night to bring in the players, and it is brilliant that we have the right players who come to us because they love to play brass band music in a wonderful, hard working brass band atmosphere."

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    


Brass in Concert

New adjudication system being considered for Brass in Concert

May 17 • Adjudication rankings of equal value to be considered in potential revamp of judging at the Brass in Concert Championships later this year.


winter and Storheim

Norwegian brass band talent spotlighted for Maestro direction

May 17 • Eline Storheim and Samuel Winter have been chosen to be part of a two year conducting course.


wobplay

New releases set for Wobplay

May 17 • New CD releases from Black Dyke Band, Birmingham Citadel and Bone-afide alongside the Elgar International Festival will soon be able to be enjoyed on the digital platform.


Lostock

Tynan departs at Lostock Hall

May 17 • The brief but successful musical partnership between Lostock Hall Band and conductor Tommy Tynan has come to an end.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


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


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd