*
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    


Grimnethorpe

Smith steps down from Grimethorpe principal role

May 13 • Jamie Smith ends his second tenure as principal cornet at Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues its mission statement

May 13 • A strengthening of a long term collaboration is helping the Italian Brass Band with its artistic vision.


Whit Friday

Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

May 12 • There is sure to be plenty of keen battles for the prize money of offer in Tameside on Whit Friday as contest details are released.


Melvin White

White honoured by Palace appearance

May 12 • Conductor Melvin White was honoured by an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the banding movement.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


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


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd