*
banner

Marzella and Varley hope to build on strong Saxhorn foundations

Katrina Marzella and Helen Varley will host a second 'Saxhorn Fest' event in February next year — hoping to build on the success of the first with added features and attractions.

Katrina and Helen
  Katrina Marzella and Helen Varley will host the event for a second time

Following the success of the first 'Saxhorn Fest' event earlier this year, the organisers have released details for the second day which will take place in Richmond in North Yorkshire in February 2019.

The festival on Saturday 2nd February and will be run by founders Katrina Marzella and Helen Varley and will include features and activities that it is hoped will appeal to players of all ages and abilities.

Workshops and attractions

There will be a series of workshops (10:30am — 4:30pm) based at the excellent facilities of the British Army bandroom at Catterick Garrison, including separate workshops aimed specifically at younger delegates.

There will also be a special 'Jazz Set' (4:30pm — 5:30pm) featuring tenor horn player Nat Martin of Foden's Band with his jazz band in a new feature for upcoming stars.

An 'Evening Recital' (7.00pm — 8:30pm) at St Mary's Church in Richmond, will feature Grimethopre baritone star Michael Cavanagh as well as both Katrina and Helen and an 'All-Star Quartet'.

Strong foundations

Speaking to 4BR Katrina said: "We were delighted with the success of last year's event and we're really excited to be building on our strong foundations with more ambitious developments this year."

Meanwhile, Helen added: "We're also excited to be able to feature extra talent this year, and it will be great to work with Michael Cavanagh and Nat Martin.

We're thankful to be supported by Band Supplies, Besson and Yamaha, which has allowed us the freedom to make the event even better."

The event is open to all tenor horn and baritone players of any age or ability.

We were delighted with the success of last year's event and we're really excited to be building on our strong foundations with more ambitious developments this yearKatrina Marzella

Tickets

Tickets for the full day are priced between £15 and £20 (concessions for students in full time education, disabled persons and military personnel), and also includes lunch.

There are also a limited number of tickets available for observers (e.g. for parents) and for the evening recital.

Tickets can be booked at: www.neromusicpress.com/ourshop

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    


Rochdale contest

Results: 2026 Rochdale Contest

October 25 • Own choice victories for Unite the Union, Dobcross Silver, Littleborough Brass and St. John's (Mossley) as Kidlington book their Spring Festival place.


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd