*
banner

Balkans, Baja and brass bands to get footfall tapping in Barnsley

Black Dyke, WFEL Fairey and Grimethorpe Colliery will add to the exotic sound mix in Barnsley next weekend.

Bombay
  There will be plenty of exotic brass banding sounds in Barnsley

Black Dyke, Grimethorpe Colliery and WFEL Fairey Band will be in entertainment mode in Barnsley on Saturday 16th July as part of the town's 'Big Weekend'.

The trio will provide a 'Brass Festival' contribution to series of attractions that include top road cycling action, Pride celebrations, the Mayor's Day and other free family-friend events taking place throughout the weekend in the town centre.

Brass band trio

Black Dyke will perform in The Glass Works Square at 11.30am on Saturday morning, followed by WFEL Fairey in 'Acid Brass' mode at 1.30pm and local favourites Grimethorpe at 3.30pm.

The Glass Works is Barnsley's newest public space, packed with retail, leisure, and the trendiest names in food and drink.

It is helping drive footfall and is one of the reasons Barnsley is now named in the top 10 towns and cities for footfall and spend in the UK by the Centre for Cities thinktank.

The transformational regeneration project has won several awards, including an accolade at The Planning Awards that praised how it had helped revitalise the local economy.

Exotic sounds

In addition to the brass bands there will be the exotic Balkan sounds of 'The Baghdaddies' and carnival grooves from Bombay Baja — Europe's leading Indian brass band.

Barnsley Metropolitan Band, young ensembles from Barnsley Music Hub, Flap Cap Brass, and more mature players from the U3A Old Blowers will also perform.

In fact, the entire town centre will be alive with the sound of brass, with performances also taking place in Cheapside near the Alhambra and in Barnsley Pals Memorial Square near the Town Hall.

More information

For the full line up and for more information about Barnsley's Big Weekend programme visit: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/events/barnsleys-big-weekend/

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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. 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.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd