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About blooming time...

Spring is in the air and the beautiful crocuses could well herald a resurgence in activity once again for brass bands over the next few months...

Elland sIVER
  Spring is in the air...

Samantha Harrison of Elland Silver Band plays her flugel horn amongst the crocuses in Lister Park, Bradford on Tuesday morning, as signs of a new spring start to bloom.

The flowers could well be a botanical metaphor of a spring rising for the brass band movement in the UK as organisations contemplate the potential relaxing of Covid-19 rules and guidelines over the next few months.

Community

Lister Park was created in 1870 by city mill owner Samuel Cunliffe Lister, who invented the 'nip comb' which separated and straightened raw wool before it could be woven into worsted yarn.

A statue of him stands in the park which was later sold to Bradford Corporation.

Today it is very popular community asset, renowned for its flora, fauna and water gardens — and occasional sightings of brass band players — especially in future when concerts will hopefully take place in its bandstand.

Picture: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian

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udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • There are victories for and Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk on the first day of competition in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Northop Silver Band

October 22 • PERCUSSION PLAYER - We are a Championship Section competing band based in North East Wales. The band are friendly and ambitious, with an active contest and concert diary.


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

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