*
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    


Illevold

Home town honour for Illevold's roots

September 7 • The Norwegian euphonium soloist has been honoured for her musical achievements by her home town.


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • 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..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd