*
banner

Bandstand returns?

Could community bandstands provide the ideal catalyst for reaching out to a new brass band audience?

Helen Varley
  Helen Varley performs in front of the bandstand in Saltaire

Grimethorpe tenor horn star Helen Varley is pictured playing near the bandstand in Roberts Park, Saltaire, West Yorkshire.

Helen is a leading tutor at several music institutions including the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and is keen to see bandstands utilised once again when Covid-19 restrictions allow, as a focus of community music making.

Post Covid

She told 4BR: "A year ago I came across this beautiful bandstand lit up at night-time whilst out running.

I think it would be wonderful if we could get regular music performed on bandstands up and down the country when restrictions are sufficiently lifted.

There is something very special about a brass band concert given in a bandstand being enjoyed by an audience on a warm summer afternoon."

Community focal point

Helen added: "This isn't an old fashioned idea even though there is a rich history of bandstands in the UK.

In the future they can really become a focal point of community music making — and brass bands and brass ensembles should be part of that.

There is no better way to reach out to the wider community — and the acoustics are fabulous."

In the future they can really become a focal point of community music making — and brass bands and brass ensembles should be part of thatHelen Varley

World Heritage

Lorne recently contacted Helen to set up the shoot with Cobid-19 appropriate protocols.

The bandstand was built in 2010 and is part of the Unesco World Heritage Village of Saltaire. The Park opened in 1871, and had a small band stand for many years, which the one pictured, replaced.

Picture: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian

The images appeared in The Times and Yorkshire Post on Friday 19th February

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    


Swiss National Youth

Live broadcast 50th celebrations for Swiss Youth Band

July 13 • You can enjoy the special anniversary concert of the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland and friends today.


LEEDS bEST OF bRASS

Leeds Best of Brass series launched

July 13 • Eight top level bands will be featured at Pudsey Civic Hall as part of the new season of 'Best of Brass' concerts.


Sir Karl Jenkins

Aldbourne to lead Armed Man celebrations

July 13 • The West of England Regional Champion will help lead the 25th anniversary celebrations of Sir Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace' in two major concerts appearances this year with the composer.


Tewit

Tewit take delivery of new instrument set

July 13 • Tewit Silver Band's musical progress is boosted by the purchase of a complete set of Besson instruments.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd