*
banner

Sparkes united

United Co-op conductor Jef Sparkes has tied the knot to his flugel player...

Jef Sparkes
 

MD of the United Co-op Band (Crewe) Jef Sparkes and the bands flugel horn player Sarah Brown have tied the knot over Christmas in a ceremony held at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire.

Special music

The service music included 'Prelude on Tallis', 'Winter', 'An Irish Blessing' and a new piece written especially for the occasion by Crewe Co-op's composer in residence Kevin Birch entitled 'A Prince's Celebration'.

The service music included ...a new piece written especially for the occasion by Crewe Co-op's composer in residence Kevin Birch entitled 'A Prince's Celebration'4BR

Wedding night entertainment

With three best-men and five bridesmaids it turned into a big day featuring the band along with friends from Wrexham Brass and Fodens all conducted by Kevin Birch.

The evening saw Bride and Groom performing on trumpet and trombone to family and friends in their favourite song 'Higher and Higher' along with the nine piece live band "Blow Zone" who entertained the evening guests long into the night.

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    


Australian National

Bands prepare for Australian National challenges

April 2 • There are National titles up for grabs in Brisbane...


John Packer

John Packer Musical Instruments brings Smith-Watkins into business

April 2 • The renowned cornet and trumpet maker becomes part of John Packer Musical Instruments.


Tony Clucas

Death of Tony Clucas

April 2 • The death has been announced of one of Scottish banding's finest cornet players.


Cumbria

Arts Council funding boost for Cumbria

April 2 • Cumbria's Big Brass Weekend secures a third year of Arts Council Funding as it continues to celebrate music, collaboration and creativity.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet Brass Quintet

Tuesday 7 April • Charlton House. Charlton Road . London SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


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


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • . Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


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.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd