*
banner

Whitburn takes one small step for banding kind...

The sounds of Whitburn Band via Murrayfield rugby stadium have been heard in outer space...

Whitburn
 

The start of the Six Nations rugby tournament always proves popular around the sporting world — but on the weekend it also meant that Scottish champion Whitburn were also heard in action in outer space.

Anthems

The band is regularly asked to provide the various anthems of the competing teams before the kick-off at Murrayfield Stadium, and on this occasion for the Calcutta Cup match against England their performances of 'God Save the Queen' and 'Flower of Scotland' were even heard aboard the International Space Station.

he got to hear the band perform, some 400 kilometers above the planet's surface, travelling at 27,600 miles an hour…4BR

Astronaut

British astronaut Tim Peake is an English rugby fan (he was seen wearing an England rugby shirt) and so he got to hear the band perform, some 400 kilometers above the planet's surface, travelling at 27,600 miles an hour…

By all accounts he was happy with the result — although he didn't comment on the performance of the band…

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    


Tine Helseth

Echoes impact for Tine Thing Helseth

February 15 • The latest solo CD from trumpet star Tine Thing Helseth has been nominated for the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy Award.


UnIbrass

Results: 2026 UniBrass Championships

February 15 • The University of Birmingham Music Society successfully defends the UniBrass Trophy as the University of Nottingham claims a first UniBrass Shield title.


Thonrotn and Raisbeck

Iles and Mortimer Medal honours for Thornton and Raisbeck

February 14 • David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck are the recipients of the 2026 Iles Medal and Mortimer Medal.


RBC

Brass Band Day at RBC

February 13 • Spend Valentine's Day exploring your love of brass at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire — alongside Thomas Fountain, Ian Porthouse, Eric Ball and Gordon Langford.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Thornton Cleveleys Band

February 10 • MD POSITION AVAILABLE AFTER NW AREA CONTEST.. A full and happy band awaits. Currently 3rd section. Confirmed entry to Fleetwood Contest. . Based in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde area.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd