*
banner

May the force be with Alder Valley

Alder Valley has announced that Sir Brian May CBE, the legendary lead guitarist with the rock group Queen has became their new Honorary President.

Alder Valley
  Sir Brian May CBE is the lead guitarist of the rock group Queen

Alder Valley Brass has pulled off perhaps the highest profile signing of the new contesting season with the announcement that Sir Brian May CBE, the legendary lead guitarist with the iconic rock band Queen, has agreed to become their new Honorary President.

Band neighbour

Sir Brian who is a neighbour of the band follows in the footsteps of renowned comedy actors Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett who also filled the role. As Aldershot Brass Ensemble the band famously appeared on a brace of 'Two Ronnies' BBC television shows in the 1970s.

The band stated: "We now look forward to the chance to play arrangements of Queen music especially for Sir Brian, including 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Don't Stop Me Now' and, particularly, the Brian May composed 'Fat Bottomed Girls'.

Pleasant surprise

Making the announcement on their Facebook page the band stated that Sir Brian said it was 'a pleasant surprise' and that he was 'very honoured' to be asked to fill the role.

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    


Sarah Baumann

BBE appoints Baumann to interim CEO role

May 6 • Sarah Baumann has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Brass Bands England.


David Childs

Childs to provide recital and masterclass at Elgar International Festival of Brass

May 6 • Details have been released of the recital and masterclass appearances of the euphonium virtuoso at the forthcoming event in Birmingham.


Brighouse

Brighouse to close Best of Brass series

May 6 • The British Open champion will provide the final concert of the annual Leeds 'Best of Brass' series.


Abbey Brass

Youth focus for Abbey Brass

May 6 • Abbey Brass will be looking to connect with a youthful audience in a new initiative.


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Glossop Old Band

May 6 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


Glossop Old Band

May 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


East London Brass

May 5 • Solo Cornet: fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd