*
banner

Brucie bonus for Whitburn

The Scottish Open champion enjoys a high profile boost by reuniting with radio presenter Ken Bruce as well as getting a feature mention with Classic FM.

Whitburn
  The band has produced a number of popular social media productions

The virtual social media performances of Whitburn Band have been recognised by BBC Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce and the Classic FM radio station.

The Scottish Open champion published six new performances over the festive season, as the West Lothian band continued to give popular online productions, produced by percussionist and 4BR 'Newcomer of the Year' nominee, Ryan Bradley.

A Christmas Festival

The band's performance of Leroy Anderson's 'A Christmas Festival' was shared by BBC Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce on Twitter, accompanied by him stating: "Here's something to lift your mood this week from the fabulous @whitburnband

I appeared with them on @BBCTwo Best of Brass many years ago! They've survived it well."

Nearly 40 years ago Ken Bruce introduced Whitburn's performances on the television contest programme conducted by Major Peter Parkes.

The band also received a high profile boost on January 2nd when Classic FM shared their performance of 'ABBA Goes Brass' by Alan Fernie on their Facebook page.

Nearly 40 years ago Ken Bruce introduced Whitburn's performances on the television contest programme conducted by Major Peter Parkes4BR

New audience

A spokesperson told 4BR: "That share has brought Whitburn to a new audience of fans, and attracted comments — and tens of thousands of views — from around the world."

Whitburn has published 39 virtual performances, interviews, solos and pieces from the archive since the start of the pandemic and will continue in 2021, starting off with their participation in the Cory Online Contest.

You can watch all of Whitburn's performances, including A Christmas Festival and ABBA Goes Brass, on the band's Facebook and YouTube pages.

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    


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


Mallinson

Hammonds sign NYBBGB flugel Mallinson

January 10 • The Hammonds Band has signed Noah Mallinson as their new flugel horn player.


John Wallace CBE

John Wallace becomes new Honorary Vice President at coop

January 10 • The Brass in Concert champion has spoken of its pride that John Wallace CBE has become its new Honorary Vice President.


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd