*
banner

Christmas spirit on show at Shipston

There was certainly a welcome festive guest at Shipton's recent Christmas concert.

Shipston
  The Shipston Band welcomed Clive (left) to their concert with MD Howard Gibbs and principal cornet Luke Barker

The true spirit of banding was evident this month when Shipston Band held its Christmas Concert in its the small home town in Warwickshire.

Joining the carol playing was Clive Barker from Melton Band, who rang Shipston's secretary David Birch to enquire if he could come along for a blow as he was staying the evening at a local hotel and had seen the concert advertised.

This really was a touch of good Christmas fortune and we were so grateful for Clive's help. We now look forward to renewing our friendship at the Midland Area in MarchBand Secretary, David Birch

Touch of Christmas spirit

The only problem was that he needed to borrow a BBb tuba, but as good luck had it, the band just happened to have one available in their bandroom, as David Birch told 4BR:

"This really was a touch of good Christmas fortune and we were so grateful for Clive's help. We now look forward to renewing our friendship at the Midland Area in March."

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    


Fodens

RNCM International Brass Band Festival concerts on wobplay

February 3 • Foden's opening concert of a memorable weekend in Manchester can now be enjoyed on the Wobplay.com media platform — with others to follow.


Eiamjer

Major financial boost to help Eikanger ambitions

February 3 • A substantial three year grant will help support the Siddis champion with its educational, music outreach programmes and ongoing running costs.


Jimmy Leggat

Cross border accolades for Leggat

February 3 • The popular KNDS Fairey bandsman Jimmy Leggat takes a final official bow on a very special weekend of musical celebration with friends.


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


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


West Wycombe Brass Band

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


Croy Silver Band

February 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.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd