*
banner

Whitburn welcome Lovatt for virtual celebration

The great lead trumpeter Mike Lovatt will be joining Whitburn for afar for an innovative approach to their 150th concert celebrations.

Whitburn
  The virtual concert can be enjoyed on the band's YouTube channel on the night

Scottish Open champion Whitburn is taking an inventive 'concert' approach to enable them to celebrate their 150th anniversary alongside the world renowned trumpet player Mike Lovatt.

Formed in 1870, the 20 time Scottish Champion's plans were dramatically changed by the Coronavirus pandemic, but with a true sense of Scottish inventiveness they will now hold a virtual concert event on Saturday, 27th June (7.30pm).

Self recorded

Members of the band have each recorded their parts to eight pieces of music — including two with Mike for the broadcast which can be enjoyed on their YouTube channel.

The event will also help raise money for the West Lothian Foodbank, who are providing much needed help to the people of Whitburn and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mike needs no introduction to the brass band world — having gained global acclaim as one of the finest lead trumpet players in the world. His performances, from the latest film blockbusters to his remarkable features with the John Wilson Orchestra have brought him a legion of fans.

Mike Lovatt has been a star in every sense as our guest soloist. He is a joy to work withWhitburn Band

Star

Looking forward to the event, Whitburn Chairman, Charlie Farren told 4BR: "We're understandably delighted to have the opportunity to perform our 150th anniversary concert despite the difficulties everyone is having just now.

The band has worked hard to record all their parts individually and everything will be brought together by the technical skills of our percussionist Ryan Bradley.

Mike Lovatt has been a star in every sense as our guest soloist. He is a joy to work with. We are all looking forward to seeing and hearing the final product, and it's great that we can give a little bit back to our community by raising money for the West Lothian Foodbank."

Support

You can donate money to the foodbank project at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/whitburn-band

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    


Swoss Open

Result: 2026 Besson Swiss Open

September 21 • Brass Band Treize Etoile regains possession of the Swiss Open title in Lucerne.


York

Report & Result: 2026 Third Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Let it snow... Allerton claims the Third Section honours in York.


York

Report & Result: 2026 Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Wardle Community are the ultimate Heroes of the North as they claim the National title in York.


York Barbican

Report & Result: 2026 First Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Marsden Silver Prize discover the source of a thunderous success in York.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 25 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


East London Brass

September 24 • Percussion - East London Brass are seeking an enthusiastic percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious band. Great music, regular rehearsals and a welcoming atmosphere. Interested? Get in touch for more details!


Epping Forest Band

September 23 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd