*
banner

Friday interview with Kenny Crookston

We catch up with the CEO of Brass Bands England as the organisation looks forward to hosting a trio of important events — from the results of their recent Women in Banding survey to the National Youth and European Brass Band Championships.

cROOKSTON
  It will be a busy few months ahead for the CEO and his organisation

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

It's the Friday interview on 4BR and we are joined Kenny Crookston, CEO of Brass Bands England.

It follows news that the final batch of tickets has just gone on sale for the European Brass Band Championships that will be taking place in Birmingham between the 28th April and 1st May, as well as confirmation of the line-up of the 12 competing bands that will battle for the Blue Riband Championship Section title.

Before that though BBE hosts the National Youth Championships in Corby on the weekend of 26th and 27th March — with a fantastic line-up of playing talent on show.

All that and on Tuesday 22nd of February BBE is hosting a special webinar presentation where the results of its 'Women in Banding' survey will be released and discussed.

For more information go to:

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    


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Festival Brass Band

Vertommen to lead Festival Brass at Belgian Championships

November 5 • The experienced Luc Vertommen will lead Festival Brass Band in Heist-op-den-Berg later this month as MD Senne La Mela takes principal cornet role.


Get marching

Morley March Contest boosted

November 5 • The popular march contest adds to its attractions for 2027.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit horns to complete our line-up for the Area contest next year. The position is negotiable. Hade Edge are a friendly second band who rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45 till 9.45 in a fantastic purpose built bandroom


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

November 5 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd