*
banner

Two part treat from brass band stars this weekend

A virtual All Star Band has got together to provide some brilliant entertainment in support of the CreateBoltones charity.

Boltons
  The concert will be a virtual star filled event this year.

A virtual All Star Band made up of some of the finest brass band players in the UK will be coming together online this weekend to help raise funds for the charity CreateBoltones.

Charity help

The ensemble was created by well known former Foden's players Anna Hughes-Williams and Toby Hobson (who will compere) and has held an annual concert for the past five years in support of the organisation.

It works with young people with a learning disability who may become socially isolated or marginalised by their social circumstance, illness, age and financial situation. They endeavour to create positive relationships that make a difference.

It's quite a line-up too — led of course by the great Richard Evans at the helm.

Line-up

A certain Mike Lovatt is joined by Holly Clarke on trumpet, with the cornet section backed by the likes of Mark Wilkinson, Dewi Grifiths and Anna herself. Sheona Wade is on horn, the troms are made up of Peter Moore and Paul Fisher and Les Neish provides the foundation work on tuba.

In addition there is pianist Sam Haywood as well as the groups Marici Saxes, the Wessex Summer School Tutors an St Andrews Catholic College Queensland,

The results were overwhelming with the videos coming in from the finest musicians from varied musical genres — so many in fact, the event had to be split over two days!Anna Hughes-Williams

Two parts

Part 1 takes place on Saturday 5th December (6.00pm start) with Part 2 on Sunday 6th December (3.00pm)

Anna told 4BR: "Due to Covid 19, this important fundraiser and performance opportunity hasn't been able to happen in its usual format, but thanks to the great support we have managed to do something special.

The results were overwhelming with the videos coming in from the finest musicians from varied musical genres — so many in fact, the event had to be split over two days!"

Taster

To enjoy a taster go to: https://youtu.be/erdiz_YDnBs

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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 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.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd