*
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    


Bedworth

Midlands Area confirm 2027 judges

November 2 • The adjudication teams for the 2027 Midlands Regional Championships have been announced.


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires a percussionist. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires an Eb bass player. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd