*
banner

Brighouse determined to add to 150 concert total

Brighouse & Rastrick Band will be adding to the total of its hugely popular Huddersfield concerts for many years to come after celebrating landmark.

  The band has welcomed many guests to share the stage (Image: Gordon Ratcliffe)

Brighouse & Rastrick has just celebrated its 150th massed band concert at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Although the West Riding organisation gave various concerts up to and during the Second World War, the latter organised by the Huddersfield Transport Social Club in aid of their 'Comforts Fund', it was the band that started what was to become its hugely popular series in late 1945.

Wide variety

Ever since the twice yearly events have seen them welcome a wide variety of banding guests — including their great rivals Black Dyke. The most appearances though have been made by the KNDS Fairey Band under its different guises — taking their 38th bow to mark the 150th event this year.

Conductors

The concerts have also been led by many hugely respected conductors, including, as current Band President Stephen Howes revealed, the renowned orchestral maestro, Iain Sutherland.

Such was his respect for the band and its musical reputation he waived his £900 fee.

Others who have led with the baton include the likes of Eric Ball and Richard Evans whilst David Thornton stated that he was "honoured"to accept the invitation to conduct at the 150th concert. Legendary soloists have also appeared — the first being the great Jack Mackintosh.

Future

And despite the usual cost of living challenges and plethora of other events people can now choose from on weekend evenings, Stephen Howes informed the large and knowledgeable audience (much to their delight) that the concerts will continue "as long as we can afford to hire this place!"

The next concert in the series will see Tredegar Band return for a second appearance next year on Saturday 29th March with the band making a reciprocal visit to Wales soon after.

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


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


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Rob Nesbitt

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd