*
banner

New lead for Bugle at Cheltenham

The experienced Mark Arnold will lead a band with a special connection at Cheltenham this weekend.

Bugle
  Bugle claimed the West of England Area title earlier this year

The Bugle Band will take to the stage under their new MD in Cheltenham this weekend.

The experienced Mark Arnold will lead the Cornish ensemble on 'Smoke Sketches' in the Fourth Section on what is the West of England Regional Champion's first appearance back at the event since 2018.

No stranger

Mark is no stranger to the 'National' stage himself having played percussion with the likes of Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick, Grimethorpe, and more lately Camborne Band.

He told 4BR: "It's a real privilege to lead the band in Cheltenham. Daniel Hall's test piece is a cracking work, and the band has been working so hard for me for this appearance. We are all excited to perform at the finals once again."

Family link

He added: "I have a special connection with the band after coming to the area in 2005. The last few weeks have been a little hectic, but everything has come together so well, and the players have been amazing."

Mark will also be joined on stage by his wife, Emma and two sons, Joshua and Thomas.

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    


RWCMD

Royal Welsh College defends claims that culture hasn't changed

October 18 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has refuted claims that its culture hasn't changed three years after it was found negligent in a case of alleged sexual assault.


McDonnell

McDonnell highlights risks of losing BBE gold standard BOPA

October 17 • Labour MP John McDonnell has written of the need for the Department of Education to reconsider its decision to end Brass Bands England BOPA provision in April next year.


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Chinnor Silver

October 18 • Being the top band at the recent Oxford Entertainment Contest does not stop us looking for improvement.we need an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to help keep this friendly 1st Section moving forward.. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays . Trip to Belgium in 2027


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd