*
banner

Wantage help make a Dent at Euros

Members of the Wantage Band organisation have helped launch the European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Oxford.

Wantage
  The band was led by conductor Neil Brownless at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford

Members of Wantage Silver and Wantage Concert Brass recently joined forces under conductor Neil Brownless to play at the opening ceremony of the 2022 European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Oxford.

It took place in the famous Sheldonian Theatre designed by Sir Christopher Wren, which is one of the landmark buildings of the university city.

25 countries

The games were conceived in 2000 to promote the huge benefits of organ donation and the life-saving impact of organ transplantation. This year is the first time the bi-annual event has come to the UK with more than 400 athletes from 25 countries taking part.

The Wantage bands opened the ceremony with a fanfare as the large ceremonial doors of the Sheldonian Theatre -usually reserved for Oxford University graduations since 1669 — were opened.

The band then provided musical accompaniment for the procession of athletes before closing the ceremony with a short concert.

Brilliant

Games Chairperson and renowned transplant surgeon, Dr Paul Harden commented: "I have received many comments about how much the participants enjoyed the opening ceremony, and particularly the brilliant Wantage Silver Band.

The rapturous applause was a true reflection of the excellent quality of their performance."

Extra Dent

The ceremony also included contributions from compère Susie Dent (from the Countdown television programme), singer-songwriter Adam Isaac, who has previously appeared on The Voice, former RSC actress Emma Garden and organist Stuart Whatton.

(Photo credit: Richard Hall, ETDG 2022)

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    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd