*
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    


bbss

Free workshops for youngsters at Brass Band Summer School

July 9 • There will be a free Youth Brass Workshop at Wycliffe College as part of the 40th anniversary BBSS on 6th August. So need to be quick to book a place...


Kerkrade

Live stream action from World Music Contest

July 9 • You can enjoy all the brass band contests at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade this weekend.


Mead and Agnew

Mead adds test match credentials to tutoring

July 9 • Steven Mead met up with cricket broadcaster and test match cricketer Jonathan Agnew to give him a euphonium lesson.


NXTOD

More demand for NXTOD

July 9 • You can enjoy a great mini documentary from the recent Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune contest and sign up for more live brass banding.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Emley Brass Band

July 7 • Emley Brass Band are looking for a Soprano Cornet to join their team. We are a growing 1st section band who came 6th in our first areas in the 1st section. We do a mix of concerts and contests throughout the year. Rehearsing Mon and Weds 8-10pm.


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd