*
banner

Parkinson ends show in Blackpool

When of the best sop players in the North West will make his final appearance in the sop chair at the Winter Gardens this weekend.

Co-op North WEST
 

The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West will bid farewell to soprano player Billy Parkinson after his final contest appearance at the North West Area Championships in Blackpool on the weekend.

Wainwright Walks

Billy is retiring from playing and plans to spend more time with his wife, Laura, and one year-old daughter Emma. Keen walkers, the couple are part-way through the Wainwright Walks across 214 Lake District Fells.

Loyal

MD Jef Sparkes told 4BR: "Billy has been a committed and loyal member, and we are sorry to see him go.

We are fortunate that our deputy principal cornet player Colin Moody played soprano at the 2013 Area whilst Billy took paternity leave, and will take over after the contest."

Jef continued: "Billy is a great musician. I know he will go out on a high and put in a brilliant performance on ‘St Magnus’ before he leaves us this weekend."

Billy is a great musician. I know he will go out on a high and put in a brilliant performance on ‘St Magnus’ before he leaves us this weekendMD, Jef Sparkes

New signing

The vacant deputy principal cornet position has been filled by the appointment of Will Earl. Will joined in January from Felling Band after he relocated to Cheshire.

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    


Friary

Taken and Friary reach last chord in partnership

December 21 • The two and a half year musical partnership between Nigel Taken and Friary Brass will come to an end later this month.


Brighouse

The Floral Dance remembered...

December 21 • You can relive the time when the Brighouse & Rastrick Band very nearly pipped Paul McCartney to the Number 1 spot on Top of the Pops this Christmas.


rncm

RNCM Appeal boosts student opportunities

December 21 • More students will be set to benefit from the success of the RNCM Annual Appeal.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 21

December 21 • The North Walian trio link up with a member of the Welsh banding diaspora in New Zealand


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd