*
banner

Smith double leads Brighouse awards

Principal cornet Tom Smith claims a double accolade for his playing with Brighouse & Rastrick Band as Yorkshire challengers look forward to 2025.

Tom Smith
  Tom Smith (above) and Ste Cavanagh were amongst the award winners on the night

Members and supporters of Brighouse & Rastrick Band recently got together to kick start their 2025 season with a look back at 2024 at their annual Awards Night.

The opportunity was taken to review a year of on and off stage achievements — including their return to the European Championships in Palanga and their memorable 150th annual concert performance, as well as their brilliant 'Zorro' Brass in Concert programme in Gateshead and more.

Wonderful evening

Writing on their Facebook page the band stated: "It was a wonderful evening, filled with laughter, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of camaraderie, and ready to tackle the coming year head on!

We are fortunate as an organisation to be surrounded by incredible players, a dedicated committee, and a wonderful team of supporters who keep us going year after year. It was fabulous to spend an evening honouring them all."

They added: "There were many other awards presented, and all the prizes given, were well deserved, and we couldn't be prouder of the band we have. Here's to a prosperous, and hopefully successful 2025!"

We are fortunate as an organisation to be surrounded by incredible players, a dedicated committee, and a wonderful team of supporters who keep us going year after year. It was fabulous to spend an evening honouring them allB&R

Double winner

The 'Player's Player' and 'Player of the Year' awards (chosen by MD Prof David King) went to Tom Smith in recognition of a 2024 in which he further cemented his reputation as one of the leading cornet players in the banding movement

Bandsman of the Year

The 'Bandsman of the Year' award went to Chairperson, Ste Cavanagh, recognising the vast amount of work he undertook throughout the year, and continues to do.

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Barnsley Brass

October 7 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd