*
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    


Whit Friday

Whit Friday results

May 30 • The official results will be published on 4BR as soon as they are officially released by the organisers, as bands are requested to show respect and patience to contest providers.


nybbg

New generation starts to shine for NYBBGB

May 29 • A trio of workshops inspires the next generation of players looking to enjoy the musical experience of being part of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Thats not banding

Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 20

May 29 • The Brighouse duo give their thoughts and opinions on Whit Friday and Saddleworth versus Tameside, as well as looking back on their recent travels far and wide.


British Open

British Open tickets on sale

May 28 • The box office is open from 10.00am today to get tickets for the 172nd British Open Championship.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

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


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd