*
banner

Whitburn to help Leadhills Blaze Away

The Scottish Champion will be linking up with the Leadhills Silver Band to keep inspiring their desire to be part of the Scottish banding movement.

Leadhills
  The Leadhills Silver Band first made a mark with its playing back in 1907

The Leadhills Silver Band will be teaming up with Scottish Champion Whitburn later this month as they look forward to making a return to the Scottish Championship in Perth in March.

Leadhills is the second highest village in Scotland, and can boast also having arguably the highest bandroom in the country — around 1,460 feet above sea level.

Community organisation

Originally formed over 100 years ago, the band was rejuvenated in 2010 and is now a wonderful community organisation that provides a musical outlet for over 25 players from the ages of 9 to over 70.

In 2018 they worked with composer Alan Fernie to commemorate the end of the First World War — linking directly with their community through memory sharing workshops, lectures poetry and art — as well as commissioning a work from the composer entitled 'Music for Distant Hills'.

Now they are looking forward to working with members of Whitburn on 16th February, who will provide workshop tuition throughout the day before joining together for a massed bands concert at the local Crawfordjohn Village Hall (7.30pm).

Blaze Away

Not only will Leadhills perform 'Music for Distant Hills', but Whitburn will showcase their talents ahead of their Scottish Championship title defence. The massed bands will also get together for what promises to be a rousing rendition of 'Blaze Away'.

Band spokesperson Christine Izzard told 4BR: "We are thrilled to be welcoming Whitburn and we are sure everyone will have a great day of tuition and workshop involvement.

Whitburn's tuba star Robert Fraser is a regular visitor as he works in local schools and he will conduct the band in our performance. Our mini band is also sure to be inspired by the Whitburn players."

We are thrilled to be welcoming Whitburn and we are sure everyone will have a great day of tuition and workshop involvementChristine Izzard

Non competitive return

Christine also revealed that Leadhills will also be making a return to the Scottish Championship this year to perform in the non-competitive 4BR Section.

"The 4BR Section is a great idea by the Scottish Brass Band Association, and offers bands such as ourselves the opportunity to experience the day and gain inspiration from others.

We don't wish to compete but we do want to be a part of the event — so this is great.

This will be our third time in Perth and we are thrilled that Alan Fernie will lead us playing 'Music for Distant Hills'."

Find out more:

To find out more about the concert contact: leadhillssilverband@hotmail.com

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    


Brighouse

Result: 2025 Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 7 • Elland lead the way in claiming the silverware in Brighouse on the weekend


Hammonds

Result: 2025 Dr Martin Wainstone Cup

July 7 • Hammonds gain a healthy boost to their their bank balance as they take the honours in commanding style.


4BR interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Wellinton

Results: 2025 New Zealand National Championships

July 6 • Wellington Brass continues its national domination in Christchurch, with section honours going to St Kilda, Levin & Districts, New Brighton Silver an


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Petworth Town Band

July 7 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, TUBA and BASS TROMBONE. We are an enthusiastic band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome you to join us and our inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Epping Forest Band

July 7 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd