*
banner

Downton set for next generation

The Downton Band is getting ready to open its doors to a new generation of young players.

Downton Band
 

The Downton Band is set to launch its exciting new training band in September and is still keen to hear from any young players who want to take part and learn a brass or a percussion instrument.

Launch

The launch will take place on Wednesday September 16th with their first rehearsal at 6.00pm in Downton's band room on Gravel Close, Downton.

Cheap

Downton Musical Director Paul Williams told 4BR: "The new band is open to anyone who wishes to come along and learn how to play an instrument.

We have deliberately tried to make it as cheap — just £1 a week to enjoy expert tuition, a weekly rehearsal, plenty of performance opportunities and the loan of an instrument to take home to practice."

We have deliberately tried to make it as cheap — just £1 a week to enjoy expert tuition, a weekly rehearsal, plenty of performance opportunities and the loan of an instrument to take home to practiceMD, Paul Williams

Help

He added: "The band has been very fortunate to be supported by Wiltshire County Council's Community Grant scheme, Persimmon Homes Community Champions and the People's Postcode Lottery Trust.

This funding has allowed Downton to buy lots of new instruments that are now sitting on shelves waiting for new players!"

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    


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

June 19 • Lots more great music to enjoy with presenters Martin and Julie.


RAH

MPs vote against Albert Hall ticket proposals

June 16 • A Private Members Bill to amend the constitution of the charity that runs the Royal Albert Hall and its long held ticketing policy has been defeated in Parliament amid accusations of "outrageous profiteering".


pocast

4BR Review: Episode 19

June 15 • Join Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas on Wednesday 17th June at 7.00pm for the latest live broadcast 4BR Review.


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd