*
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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd