*
banner

Looking for Christmas Concert inspiration — why not try The Pogues?

A classic festive song from The Pogues leads the PRS Charts as the most popular played on the radio in the last five years. So why not try a brass band version...?

tHE poGUES
  Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl led the faireytale in New York

If you are looking for some inspiration on how to fill up the spaces in Christmas Concert programmes this year, then a recent poll of the most played Christmas Songs heard on UK radio between 2012 and 2016 has been revealed by the Performing Rights Society for Music.

Shane MacGowen

The ranking includes both original and cover versions of each song — so if you want to add a few bob into the pocket of Shane MacGowan or boost the finances of Mariah Carey or the brilliant Roy Wood of Wizzard then there are some great ones to choose from — although as the list does come the PRS, make sure your arrangements are pukka.

if you want to add a few bob into the pocket of Shane MacGowan or boost the finances of Mariah Carey or the brilliant Roy Wood of Wizzard then there are some great ones to choose from4BR

Top 10:

1. Fairytale of New York (The Pogues)
2. All I Want For Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)
3. Last Christmas (Wham!)
4. Do They Know It's Christmas (Band Aid)
5. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day (Wizzard)
6. Driving Home For Christmas (Chris Rea)
7. Stay Another Day (East 17)
8. Merry Xmas Everybody (Slade)
9. Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin' Stevens)
10. Wonderful Christmastime (Paul McCartney)

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    


4BR awards

2025 4BR Test Piece of the Year

December 25 • Lots of fine music to enjoy on the contest stage in 2025 at all levels, but it was a resurrected work that enjoyed an anniversary bonus.


Awards

2025 4BR Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year

December 25 • Such a wide range of bands doing great work on and off the contest stage this year — with a remarkable young band taking the honours.


4BR awards

2025 4BR Contest Performance of the Year

December 25 • In a year of contest winners — there was still one performance that claimed an extra first prize.


Newcomer

2025 4BR Newcomer of the Year

December 25 • An exciting year full as exciting new talent emerged in different fields and genres of the brass band movement.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd