*
banner

PLC swaps sticks for baton with Brighouse

Paul Lovatt-Cooper will be at the helm for two high profile concerts with Brighouse & Rastrick over the coming few weeks. -

PLC in action
 

Paul Lovatt-Cooper will be swapping his percussion sticks for the MDs baton as he looks forward to conducting Brighouse & Rastrick in two forthcoming high profile concerts.

It’s a welcome return to the front of the band for the popular Black Dyke star, who has been enjoying himself of late hidden away amongst the Queensbury percussion section as they claimed the 2014 ‘Double’.

Too good to miss

Getting the chance to conduct their great rivals once more though was a wonderful opportunity too good to miss as he told 4BR: “I'm very excited to be conducting Brighouse & Rastrick again. I worked with the band some years ago preparing them for Brass in Concert with Richard Evans.

They are a fantastic group of musicians with wonderful soloists, so you can see why I’m excited by leading them in what promises to be two great concert events.”

Where and when

Paul lead the West Riding band in a joint concert at the Riverside Civic Hall, Whitworth, alongside the Whitworth Vale & Healey on Saturday 22nd November 7:30pm, whilst his second appearance will be at Brighouse & Rastrick’s Christmas Extravaganza concert in Ilkley at the Kings Hall on the 7th December at 3.00pm.

Not surprisingly, Paul has ensured that there will be the usual mix of high class soloists and popular concert entertainment fayre.

“Brighouse are such a great concert band, with all the talents to entertain — so that’s what I will be hoping to do with them.”

Welcome to West Riding

Meanwhile, Brighouse & Rastrick Band President, Paul Beaumont was delighted to welcome Paul to the band. “His flair for music-making and experience in a wide range of performance styles, dynamic compositions and musical arrangements, and his indelible rapport he establishes with audiences makes Paul a very worthy guest conductor with the band.

Everyone is looking forward to two great concerts — they are not to be missed.”

Brighouse are such a great concert band, with all the talents to entertain — so that’s what I will be hoping to do with themPaul Lovatt-Cooper

Tickets

Tickets for the Riverside Civic Hall, Whitworth are priced at £12.50 and are available from brighouseandrastrick.ticketsource.co.uk or from the Riverside direct on 01706 854130

Tickets for the Christmas Concert are available from Ilkley tourist information on 01943 602319 or from brighouseandrastrick.ticketsource.co.uk and are priced at £13.50 — £16.50.

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    


Banding podcast

Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 15

February 4 • More musings and entertainment from the Brighouse pairing of Chris and Tom — from contest nerves to Norwegian contesting...


Cory

New tuba lead at Cory

February 4 • Cory confirm the permanent signing of Will Marston as their new principal Eb tuba.


City of Coventry

Shanks to lead masterclass in Coventry

February 4 • Chris Shanks will lead a great open day of masterclass playing and performing at Coventry City Salvation Army Band in April — so sign up.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 4 • More great brass band and military band music to enjoy from Martin and Julie.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

February 4 • Looking for a MD. We are a friendly community (4th section?) band of 30 members, looking for someone to take a leading role that can motivate and develop players, while shaping & delivering concerts, maybe contesting, and nurturing a friendly atmosphere.


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd