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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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Regional

Stevenage performances on replay on Wobplay

March 24 • If you want to find out how all the prizes were won in Stevenage on the weekend, the tune into wobplay and enjoy... and debate


Kapitol Promotions

And the National Final invitations go to...

March 24 • The provisional list of bands that will be invited to compete at the 2026 National Finals at London and York have now been completed.


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


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


Enderby Band

March 24 • Enderby Band (Championship section) are seeking: 1 x BASS (Eb or Bb) and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working, friendly team, with promotion at the Spring Festival (Senior Cup) and a balanced diary of concerts & contests to look forward to.


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

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