*
banner

Fairey add to signings with flugel star

The Stockport band continues to strengthen its ranks with the signing of flugel star Nicola Shaw from Wingates.

Nicola Shaw
  Nicola Shaw is the latest signing for Fairey Band

It's not just Premier League football clubs that have been dipping into the transfer market of late with the Fairey Band one of the busiest to boost its playing ranks with new talent.

The latest addition to the Stockport band's squad is the signing of flugel player Nicola Shaw from Wingates.

Soloist

Nicóla joins having enjoyed a successful eight year tenure at the northwest band — one which also saw her emerge as a fine soloist with critically noted performances at the recent Brass Pass Festival in Halifax and in winning both the Open Slow Melody and Air Varie categories of the SWBBA solo contest.

Commenting on her new role, Nicola told 4BR: "I'm extremely grateful for my years at Wingates and would like to take the time to thank them. I'm also excited about my next chapter as flugel with Fairey.

Having been present with the band over the last months, there is such a positive atmosphere. It looks to be an exciting time and I feel so privileged to have been asked to be part of it, especially as a soloist."

With her outstanding solo playing I'm looking forward to being able to introduce her to our audiences at upcoming concertsFairey MD, Adam Cooke

Top class

Speaking of the appointment, Musical Director Adam Cooke told 4BR: "Nicola has earned a growing reputation as a top class flugel player, and it was immediately clear that she was the perfect choice for us.

With her outstanding solo playing I'm looking forward to being able to introduce her to our audiences at upcoming concerts."

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    


eikanger

Results: 2026 Norwegian National Championships

February 7 • Eikanger Bjorsvik reclaims the Norwegian National title in Bergen as section victories go to Rong Brass, Agder Brass, Evanger Musikklag, Skeie Brass and Langhus Brass.


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd