*
banner

125th anniversary welcome to Unite alumni

Players and supporters past and present will be welcomed to a showcase celebration of the 125th anniversary of Unite the Union Band.

Unite
  Unite has enjoyed considerable contesting success over the years

Unite the Union Band is to mark its 125th anniversary later this year with a special concert and reception that they hope will see as many former members and supporters join them to celebrate its past, present and future.

Pride

Formed in 1900 as the Sheffield Recreation Band, they have since worn a number of different identities with pride — winning contests as City of Sheffield, Andrews Heat for Hire, Stocksbridge Engineering, UES and ASDA Stocksbridge amongst others.

Now proudly representing the Unite Trade Union, the band won the First Section Yorkshire Regional title earlier this year under MD Jonathan Beatty and will look to claim the National title for a third time in Cheltenham in September.

Celebration

A spokesperson told 4BR: "From our very first notes in 1900 to the exciting performances of today, our story has been shaped by generations of talented players, dedicated conductors, and loyal supporters.

We want as many people as possible to help us celebrate that history as well as our exciting future. It will be an afternoon of music, memories and reconnections, with a concert featuring the current members of the band and extra special guests who helped shape the band into what it is today.

We'll be playing music to tell our story, a chance to reminisce over old photographs, and an opportunity to catch up with faces from years gone by."

Time and place

The event takes place on Sunday 12th October (2.30pm) at the Niagara Centre Sheffield.

As numbers are limited at the venue are limited and catering is being provided, RSVP is essential, so please contact Gemma on: gemmalouisegrayson@googlemail.com

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

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


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Phillip Littlemore

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd