*
banner

Sun, Sea and Staines in Tenby

Staines Brass recently enjoyed their mini tour trip to West Wales with performances, premieres and Penderyn whisky...

Bantand
  The band performed on the bandstand in Tenby (above)

Staines Brass has recently enjoyed a banding tour — although instead of heading from their Surrey home across the English Channel into Europe they bridged the waters of the River Severn to West Wales for a memorable weekend of music making.

It also proved to be a homeland return for MD, Gareth Trott and Band Manager, Emma Elliot-Smith as the party based themselves at the stunning Stackpole National Trust resort in Pembrokeshire.

Links

From there a busy itinerary saw them undertake engagements in Swansea and Tenby where they played in one of the most beautifully situated bandstands anywhere in the UK.

They also linked up with friends from Pontardulais Band for a joint concert at St Mary's Church in the centre of the pretty coastal town.

It featured the Welsh band's junior academy, which had just been seen on BBC Wales television as an example of how community bands are taking steps to encourage and inspire the next generation of young players.

A wide variety of music was performed including a sparkling rendition of the Arutjunjan 'Trumpet Concerto' by guest soloist, Alan Thomas, principal trumpet of the London Mozart Players.

The following day saw that memorable performance at Tenby Bandstand with its fantastic views — which was well worth the trek to get instruments up the hill to play there!4BR

Welsh premiere

Also given its Welsh premiere was their David Attenborough inspired programme, 'Our Planet', composed by MD, Gareth Trott, which was warmly received by the audience.

The following day saw that memorable performance at Tenby Bandstand with its fantastic views — which was well worth the trek to get instruments up the hill to play there!

The band was later informed that it was the first brass band performance there for nearly 30 years.

Wonderful tour

Band spokesperson Emma Elliot-Smith told 4BR: "It was a wonderful tour — especially as it was rounded off with a trip to play at the Penderyn Welsh Whisky Distillery.

We all had a great time and our thanks go to our friends at Pontardulais, Alan Thomas and everyone who made us all feel so welcome."

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    


4BR review

4BR Review podcast — National Final retrospective

October 14 • Join the live podcast on Wednesday evening to look back at a memorable Albert Hall contest.


National Band of New Zealand

New Zealand names 2026 brass band All Blacks

October 14 • The players who will represent the nation as their National Band have been announced.


Coleridge

Besses help mark Coleridge-Taylor anniversary

October 14 • Besses o' th' Barn Band has helped to provide a timely celebration of the life and music of the pioneering composer black composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.


BrookWright Music

BrookWright Music: Christmas for Two

October 14 • Christmas for Two — 70 Traditional Christmas Songs & Carols for two alike instruments


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You will love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!. Contact


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd