*
banner

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

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    


Tredegar

Buckley celebrations at heart of Tredegar concert

March 25 • The musical lives of Brian Buckley and his son Richard will be marked at a special concert this weekend in Swansea.


Philip Sparke

Dutch National Championship headed by Sparke

March 25 • 'Perihelion: Closer to the Sun' will test the top section bands at this year's Dutch National Championships.


Mark Glover

Glover fits Sterling relaunch

March 25 • Sterling Musical Instruments has welcomed euphonium player Mark Glover to its roster of Performance Artists, following the relaunch of the brand.


Morton

Morton takes Desford baton

March 25 • David Morton is set to strengthen ties with National Champion by becoming Musical Director.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd