*
banner

Celebrating 130 years of Woolston Brass

The most famous and most successful band in New Zealand in celebrating its 130th anniversary this year.

Woolston Brass
  The band has been a beacon of musical excellence since 1891.

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR talks Todd and Caroline Turner to find out more about the rich history of New Zealand's most famous and successful brass band — Woolston Brass — which this year celebrates its 130th anniversary.

The band was formed in 1891 as the Loyal Perseverance Lodge of the Manchester Independent Order of Oddfellows, but thankfully that didn't last long and they have since gone on to become the standard bearers of New Zealand banding excellence — winning their National title on 32 occasions.

As we find out, they are a band proud of its past, present and future — and hopes to add to its National tally at the Championships in July in their home city of Christchurch.

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    


York

Result: 2026 Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Wardle Community are the ultimate Heroes of the North as they claim the National title in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 First Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Marsden discover the source of a thunderous success in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 Second Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Harborough and Ben Smith have the courage of their musical convictions to claim the honours in York.


NYBBNI

National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland marks second mark

September 19 • The National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland has made its second public appearance in bringing the recent Enniskillen BrassFest to a close.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

September 20 • We are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.. . We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and have a varied calendar of concerts, contests and ten-piece engagements.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites percussion players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites BBb Bass players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd