*
banner

Widdop returns to take baton

The experienced Alan Widdop makes a long awaited return to Whitworth Vale & Healey.

Alan Widdop
  The experienced Alan Widdop has conducted the band before

Whitworth Vale & Healey Band has appointed the vastly experience Alan Widdop as their new Musical Director.

Alan is no stranger to the band having taken them in several concerts prior to the pandemic and is in fact returning to the helm for a second time after enjoying a tenure with the baton in the mid 1980s.

Great to be back

Commenting on the appointment Alan said: "It's great to be back! I'm looking forward to working with the band that has a great mix of experienced and younger players."

Meanwhile, a delighted Band Chairman Richard Milton added: "The band is thrilled to have started a new chapter with Alan and we are looking forward to a successful time with him — starting with our busy Christmas season, before we focus on the Butlin's Festival and the Regional Championships."

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    


RBC

Brass Band Day at RBC

February 13 • Spend Valentine's Day exploring your love of brass at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire — alongside Thomas Fountain, Ian Porthouse, Eric Ball and Gordon Langford.


rncm

BBC Radio 3 to feature RNCM Festival highlights

February 13 • Performances from Black Dyke, Foden's and Cory are to be featured on BBC Radio 3.


Durham Miners

Fishburn offer musical solidarity for Big Meeting

February 13 • RMT Fishburn Band will support the fund raising efforts of the famous Durham Miners Gala.


Tredegar

Tredegar RNCM replay now on wobplay

February 13 • The Welsh champions RNCM International Brass Band Festival performance is now available to enjoy again.


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


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Thornton Cleveleys Band

February 10 • MD POSITION AVAILABLE AFTER NW AREA CONTEST.. A full and happy band awaits. Currently 3rd section. Confirmed entry to Fleetwood Contest. . Based in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde area.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd