*
banner

Abbotts to start exciting new solo and duet future

The multi-award winning principal cornet player Kirsty Abbotts is looking forward to enjoying embarking on two new chapters in her life this weekend.

Kirsty Abbotts
  Yamaha artist Kirsty Abbotts is looking to the future with her marriage and new teaching business.

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery principal cornet player Kirsty Abbotts will start a brace of exciting new musical chapters in her life this weekend.

On Saturday, the Yamaha International artist is to get married to bass trombone player Paul Walker at Nostell Priory in near Wakefield, whilst on her return she will be ready to promote her new teaching, soloist and tuition business; http://kirsty-abbotts.com/

Last minute preparation

"It's all been a bit hectic in the last couple of weeks,"Kirsty admitted to 4BR.

"We are usually a very organised pair, but just like rehearsing for a major championship like the British Open, it's the last minute polish and preparation that makes all the difference."

Sykes role

In a lovely touch Kirsty is to be given away at the ceremony by Ray Sykes MBE, the person who has done so much to help her as a performer and as a friend over many years. "I couldn't think of anyone better,"

Kirsty added. "Ray and his family have done so much for me since I came to Carlton Main that the day wouldn't have been complete without him playing his role".

New business

During her tenure as principal cornet Kirsty has won a plethora of 'Best Soloist' awards, and on her return from a short honeymoon in Scotland, she has decided to pass on that experience and knowledge by setting up her own teaching, tuition and soloist business.

"This really is a new chapter in my life, and I also want to be able to give back something to a new generation of young players. I was taught by the best and I want to now pass on my experience to help others develop and progress."

This really is a new chapter in my life, and I also want to be able to give back something to a new generation of young players. I was taught by the best and I want to now pass on my experience to help others develop and progressKirsty

Inspire youngsters

Kirsty added: "I will be giving individual and group lessons, using new technology to reach out abroad and hopefully inspiring more youngsters to love playing in brass bands.

I'm getting increasingly busy with solo commitments, but this new venture will enable me to balance all this busy aspects with my banding at Carlton Main which I love so much."

Find out more

To find out more about contacting Kirsty about teaching, tuition and solo engagements, go to: http://kirsty-abbotts.com/news/

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd