*
banner

Become an acrobat for Sykes

Appeal closes in on halfway target thanks to a great new play and pledge initiative!

Sykes
  Save Stephen Campaign has received another major boost with a great fun initiative — so get acrobatic bones out

The fund raising campaign for that has been set up to help trombone player Stephen Sykes is rapidly closing in on the halfway mark of its target of £90,000 — just 9 days after it was launched.

The latest boost has come with the wonderfully whacky 'The Acrobat Challenge' set up by fellow trombonist Jayne Murrill and friends — but which to open to anyone on any instrument.

Take up the challenge

All you have to do is take up the challenge of playing the first two phrase of JA Greenwood's famous solo accompanied by a pledge to the 'Save Stephen' gofundme appeal.

You do however have to make sure you post your effort — which can be good, bad, ugly, bizarre, fun, bonkers, surreal etc on-line, so everyone can see you doing it, and nominate a few others to follow your act of surreal kindness and complete self-deprecation.

Have a go

Have a go — some brilliant supporters have already done it. There is even a pdf to download to play the music!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1337691529600543/requests/?notif_t=group_r2j¬if_id=1491223740728146

https://www.gofundme.com/StephenSykes

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    


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Report & Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Area title success for Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


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


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

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


Croy Silver Band

March 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.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd