*
banner

One fine day... (hopefully soon)

Hopefully there will be a time when the sun is out in Blackpool and the sound of brass bands will be heard in the shadow of its famous Tower once more...

Blackpool
  Tony Mortimer and Lorraine Pritt play below Blackpool's iconic tower

Never mind Puccini or Carole King for that matter — wouldn't it great if we could be celebrating a return to brass band contesting in Blackpool one fine day in the near future.

Hope

Photographer Lorne Campbell was out and about this week searching for images for the national newspapers that gives us all a bit of hope that we can return to things we love doing in the near future.

He linked up with Tony Mortimer and his partner Lorraine Pritt (observing Covid-19 appropriate guidelines) both of Blackpool Brass, under the shadow of the town's famous Tower.

The North West Regional Championships as well as the British Open Spring Festival usually take place in the nearby Winter Gardens, but Covid-19 stopped the latter being held in 2020.

Mortimer family

And although it may well be 2022 before there is a brass band contest at the venue everyone can still wish hope that one fine day will come sooner rather than later — and it didn't stop Tony and Lorraine agreeing to show that they can't wait either.

Tony is a member of the famous Mortimer family — his grandfather being Fred Mortimer's brother, Thomas. It's believed he is the only member of the extended family that still plays in a brass band.

Tony is a member of the famous Mortimer family — his grandfather being Fred Mortimer's brother, George4BR

RNCM Festival

Although live performances are perhaps still some way off on the horizon this Sunday there is the chance to hear some wonderful brass band playing and discussions with the online RNCM Brass Band Festival on Sunday 31st January.

Picture : Lorne Campbell / Guzelian

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


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


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


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd