*
banner

4BR Wednesday interview with Dr Alex Parker of BBE

4BR talks to Dr Alex Parker, at Brass Bands England for the latest update on advice and guidance available for bands in England wishing to go back to rehearsals under Covid-19 regulations from May 17th.

Covid
  The latest guidance came into force on Monday 17th May

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

With the latest guidance published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to confirm that, from 17th May, brass bands in England can return to both rehearsing and performing when social distancing is in place, we speak to Dr Alex Parker at BBE to gain further information.

Brass Bands England is running free Q&A sessions for bands — the latest being held this evening at 6.30pm (Wednesday 19th May).

Alex outlines what the current guidance states and how it must be adhered to if English based bands wish to return to rehearsal.

For further information and to sign up for the free session go to: www.bbe.org.uk/events

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    


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Sounds

Two new releases to enjoy from World of Brass

October 7 • The Regionals CD and a major new release from British Open inners Foden's are now available from World of Brass and wobplay.


Music

University of Nottingham ends undergraduate music degree course

October 7 • A change in student demand, delivery costs and competition from other institutions is said to be behind the decision to axe music degree course at the University of Nottingham.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • A tenor trombone position has become vacant following the relocation of the previous player.


Alder Valley Brass

October 6 • Seeking a Bb Bass player to join our friendly ambitious second section band under the direction of new MD Oliver Hallstead - Brooks. Featuring a good variety of concerts and contests. . We rehearse each Monday and Thursday 8pm to 10pm in Farnham Surrey


Chris King

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd