*
banner

Wilkinson to lock swords again with Newtongrange

Dr Keith Wilkinson will carry on his trans-Atlantic association with the Newtongrange Band into a fourth decade at the Spring Festival in Blackpool in May.

Keith Wilkinson
 

The recently crowned Scottish First Section champion, Newtongrange Silver has announced that it will be renewing their musical connection with former conductor Dr Keith Wilkinson for their appearance at the Senior Trophy in Blackpool in May.

Four decades

It sees the return of the former GUS and William Davis Construction MD to the band he has directed with considerable success over a period of four decades — starting way back in 1987, and including a famous Scottish Championship title win in 1991.

Keith last made the trans-Atlantic trip ‘across the pond’ to guide the band to the Scottish First Section title in 2004 and, later in the year, to fourth place in the First Section Finals in Harrogate.

Bradford challenge

The band was delighted to be able to ask Keith when it learned that their current professional conductor, Lee Skipsey, was unavailable as he will take City of Bradford Band at the same contest!

It sees the return of the former GUS and William Davis Construction MD to the band he has directed with considerable success over a period of four decades — starting way back in 19874BR

Raring to go

Keith recently directed Chapel Brass to victory in the Third Section of the North American National Championships, and told 4BR:

“I’m really looking forward to working with Newtongrange once again. The initial work on the test-piece has been carried out by the band's talented resident conductor, Iain Fleming, so I’m sure the band will be raring to go on Philip Sparke's ‘Tallis Variations’.”

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    


UK Music sURBEY

UK Music launches annual survey

April 29 • Musicians and organisations urged to complete annual survey to help create an accurate assessment of the value of the UK music sector.


Flowers

Flowers to target World title in 2026

April 29 • The National Champion will look to become World Champion in Kerkrade next year.


Regent Brass

40th anniversary celebrations for Regent Brass

April 29 • Great memories of a pioneering band were recalled in a get together concert for former players of Brent Youth Band and Regent Brass.


Opera

WNO musicians vote to accept new agreement

April 29 • The orchestral member of Welsh National Opera have voted to a new agreement to protect their full time future.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: 103rd Spring Festival

Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool. . FY1 1HU


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


wantage silver band

April 29 • A friendly and ambitious first section band, Wantage Concert Brass are looking for an experienced and dedicated MUSICAL DIRECTOR to help drive the band's continued growth and development, building on their best result to date at the recent area contest.


wantage silver band

April 29 • Wantage Concert Brass have a Bb BASS vacancy - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 29 • Wantage Concert Brass are looking for a TROMBONE and BASS TROMBONE player - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd