*
banner

Co-operative Funeralcare North West drop out of Grand Shield

Unforeseen player changes sees North west challenger withdraw from Grand Shield in Blackpool.

Band logo
 

4BR has been informed that the Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West Band has announced its decision to withdraw from the Grand Shield contest at the Spring Festival in Blackpool on the 26th April.

Unforeseen changes

Band Manager Alan Smart told 4BR: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, regrettably we must withdraw from the contest. This decision has been taken following unforeseen changes in personal circumstances, which affect player availability over the coming weeks.”

This decision has been taken following unforeseen changes in personal circumstances, which affect player availability over the coming weeksBand Manager Alan Smart

Disappointment

Alan continued: “It is a huge disappointment to us. We were looking forward very much to competing again in Blackpool following our 3rd place finish in the Championship Section at the recent North West Area Contest.

We wish the organisers of the contest a successful event and the competing bands the very best of luck on the day."

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    


NYGGB

National Youth Band opportunities

May 8 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain is looking to appoint new trustees and a librarian to help strengthen the organisation's heritage and future.


Albert Hall

Albert Hall tickets now on sale

May 8 • Tickets for the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall are now on sale.


Band Supplies

Summer deals to grab at Band Supplies

May 8 • There are plenty of great deals to grab at Band Supplies on ex-demo and second hand instruments.


Emergency

BBE to host emergency planning webinar

May 8 • Make sure you have plans in place to protest valuable musical and memorabilia assets if potential disaster strikes.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

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


Brunel Brass Organisation

May 8 • Brunel Brass is looking for a Solo Horn and Back Row Cornet to join our senior band. We are an ambitious, friendly band on the verge of promotion to the Championship Section and recently achieved our highest ever finish at the British Open Spring Festival


East London Brass

May 7 • B Flat Bass : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a bflat bass player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Thornton Cleveleys Band

May 7 • We currently have the following vacancies.. 3rd Cornet and Bb Bass.. Friendly 3rd Section NW band based just outside of Blackpool. We have some great concerts coming up as well as marches, galas and charity events. With the odd contest thrown in too


Duncan Wilson

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd