*
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    


Manager Musikklag

World Rankings — April update

April 26 • There has been significant movement in the latest rankings release, driven by a large number of contests over the last few months resulting in notable shifts and changes in the standings


Fodens

Foden's to preview Euro challenge

April 26 • England's representatives in Stavanger will be giving their supporters a preview of their musical challenge.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd