*
banner

1st Old Boys join massed ranks for festive treats

The 1st Old Boys Band round off a memorable year by joining forces with the Belfast Operatic Society for plenty of festive entertainment.

First Old Boys
  The 1st Old Boys Band joined forces for some of the items in the Ulster Hall concert

1st Old Boys Band under MD, Dr Jonathan Corry, recently completed a successful 2022 as the guests of Belfast Operatic Company for a concert at a packed Ulster Hall in Belfast.

The recently crowned NIBA and BBN1 Festival of Brass champion joined the renowned choir, led by Musical Director Adam Darcy, and a host of outstanding soloists for an evening of festive celebration and entertainment.

Christmas Fantasy

Their contributions included renditions of 'Christmas Festival Overture' (Anderson) and Peter Graham's arrangement of 'Away in a Manger', as well as joining together with the choir in Gordon Langford's 'Christmas Fantasy'.

The grand finale saw the massed ranks join the Mulholland organ played by Richard Campbell in 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'.

Memorable year

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "2022 has really developed into a memorable year with the two major championship wins and qualification for the 2024 European Championships.

Add to some great projects, workshops and a recording for BBC Radio Ulster, as well as lots of individual recognition for players and we can't wait for 2023."

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


EBBC

2026 European Championship ticket sale date announced

January 16 • Tickets for the 47th European Brass Band Championships in Linz will go on sale on Tuesday 20th January.


Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Corporate partnership shares ethos with Grimethorpe

January 16 • Grimethorpe announces corporate link with leading mobile and static welfare accommodation manufacturer to share long-standing commitment to community, charity, and local engagement.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd