*
banner

WFEL Fairey to arrive in Open style...

The Stockport Band will be making an impression both on and off the stage on the weekend in Birmingham with their stylish travel arrangements for the contest.

WFEL Fairey
  The band will arrive in Birmingham in style on the 'band bus'

The WFEL Fairey Band will arrive at the British Open Championship at Symphony Hall in style this weekend, thanks to an eye-catching bit of promotional design by their long term travel partners Sounds Travel.

The Stockport Band has enjoyed using the company's coaches for many years, and when they recently upgraded their executive fleet, they were delighted to find out that owner Stephen Ward wanted to put the logo of the 16-time Open Champion on the side of one of his vehicles.

Striking design

Stephen is an ex-bandsman and has built up his highly successful company in Rochdale thanks to renowned levels of service and his desire to put something back into his local community and interests.

Photographer Lorne Campbell joined up recently with players from the band for a special photo shoot that will hopefully be taken up by local, regional and national media outlets.

The striking design shows the famous WFEL Fairey logo of stylised aircraft wings and 'Battle' airplane alongside some instruments, on the pearlescent blue colour scheme of their 53 seater German-built Neoplan Starliner 2 coach.

The players enjoyed their first trip in the coach on a recent concert trip to Berwick upon Tweed and will get on board again for the slightly shorter ride to Birmingham as they look to claim the title for the first time since 1998.

Brass band bus

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We have enjoyed a great link with Sounds Travel for many years and so we were delighted when we told Stephen had approached the company with the idea.

He's told us he has already had customers asking to use the 'brass band bus' because it really does catch the eye. It's quality ensures that we will arrive in Birmingham in executive comfort.

There is even room to be able to put the trophy in the front coach window if we win."

The striking design shows the famous WFEL Fairey logo of stylised aircraft wings and 'Battle' airplane put on the dark blue colour scheme of their 53 seater German-built Neoplan Starliner 2 coach4BR

Open rehearsal

You can hear the band's preparations under the baton of Swiss conductor Arsene Duc of the set-work, 'The World Rejoicing' by Edward Gregson at Glossop Band Club, Glossop (SK13 8LP) on Wednesday 7th September at 7.45pm prompt.

(Copyright image: Lorne Campbell for 4BR)

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    


Spring Festival

Feedback to bring significant changes to Spring Festival

May 20 • The Mortimer family has responded to the feedback from the recent Spring Festival contests in Birmingham as concerns and complaints have been addressed.


UniBrass Band Camp

Time to sign up for Band Camp

May 19 • If you want to enjoy the UniBrass Band Camp experience this year then there is still time to sign up.


Bradwell Silver

Bradwell to celebrate 125th anniversary with special premieres

May 19 • Two newly commissioned works by composers Alan Fernie and Joe Galuszka will help Bradwell Silver Band celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend.


nybbgb

75 youngsters to enjoy expert NYBBGB audition help

May 19 • 75 young players will enjoy expert tuition help at a trio of 'Ready to Shine' skills workshops later this month with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


wantage silver band

May 19 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Harrogate Band

May 19 • We are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete our team. Interesting mix of engagements and contests. Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd