*
banner

Derwent's Xmas express

Derwent Brass has had a busy December.

derwent
 

Derwent Brass has been busy over the last month or so.

The season commenced with them playing in the Great Hall of Derby Assembly rooms, to a 1000+ capacity audience along with the Derby Hospitals Choir in an entertaining concert that was compered by TV's Heartbeat star Steve Blakeley. The concert was recorded to be broadcast on Hospital radio on Christmas day.

So popular was this event that rows of extra seats had to be installed before the concert and many people turned away disappointed having been greeted by the 'Sold Out' signDerwent Brass

Entertaining

The very next evening the band went along to the Landau Forte Theatre in Derby to join forces with the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir for another Charity Christmas concert to support the Friends of Nightingale MacMillan Unit.

So popular was this event that rows of extra seats had to be installed before the concert and many people turned away disappointed having been greeted by the 'Sold Out' sign.

Standing ovation

A week later the band traveled to Grimsby to join the Grimsby Ladies Choir for a traditional Christmas concert. The band were following in the illustrious footsteps of previous performers such as Brighouse & Rastrick, Grimethorpe & Black Dyke at this event and so were delighted to receive a very warm welcome and standing ovation from the audience.

Final appearance

As always the band's final Christmas concert was in the St Helen's Church at Etwall. The band have become firm friends of the Etwall folk over recent years and once again the concert was sold out as long ago as October!

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    


4br review

4BR Review podcast: Episode 4

May 23 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas look back at the European Championships as well as chatting about plenty of other things — from the Spring Festival to Maurice Murphy...


Whit Friday

New method of calculating prize positions at Whit Friday

May 22 • A median value methodology will be used to calculate the overall prize positions for this year's Saddleworth & Oldham Whit Friday Contests.


Symphony Hall

Europeans to be hosted in Birmingham in 2028

May 22 • Brass Bands England confirm that the 2028 Europeans will not be in London, but in Birmingham


Flowers

Flowers lead musical variety in Gloucester

May 22 • Paul Holland and members of the National Champions provide a great day of musical inspiration on their doorstep.


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Otley Brass Association - Joanne Dexter, Soprano

Saturday 31 May • The Bridge United Reformed Church. Bridge Street. Otley, LS21 1RW LS21 1RW


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Crewe Brass

May 22 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome


Rainford Band

May 21 • NW Area Championship Section Rainford Band are now accepting expressions of interest for a Musical Director to take us for all rehearsals, concerts and contests. We rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 19.45 - 21.45 in our own band room in Rainford, St Helens.


Fulham Brass Band

May 21 • Fulham Brass Band is currently looking for a 2nd Trombone, 2nd Euphonium and back row Bb Cornet to complete our friendly, ambitious band under the leadership of Musical Director, Sam Hairsine.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd