*
banner

Telford return once more!

Abraham Darby Specialist Schol will return to the National Festival of Music for Youth — again!

 

Band members from the Abraham Darby Specialist School for the Performing Arts in Telford, are celebrating as they have received the news that it has yet again received an invitation to participate at the National Festival of Music for Youth which will be held in Birmingham this coming July.

Eleventh time

It will be the eleventh consecutive year that there has been representation from the school, and this year the Senior Brass Band will be attending The invitation follows the Regional Qualifying Heat that was recently held this March at the Madeley School.

I am delighted and honoured that the school has received an invitation yet again. It continues the sustained success that has been enjoyed by the school bands over many yearsRachel Morton, Head of Music.

Busy

The band under the musical direction of David Maplestone will be looking forward to taking part in the Festival, and will now approach a busy rehearsal period.

In previous years at this festival the Brass Band has received the Highly Commended Award on three occasions. In November last year the Brass Band received an invitation to perform at the Schools Prom Concert in the Royal Albert Hall.

Delight and honour

Rachel Morton, the School’s Head of Music told 4BR: "I am delighted and honoured that the school has received an invitation yet again. It continues the sustained success that has been enjoyed by the school bands over many years. I was also highly delighted at the success at Warwick, which was the first national award given to the School’s Showband this academic year."

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    


Regional

Stevenage performances on replay on Wobplay

March 24 • If you want to find out how all the prizes were won in Stevenage on the weekend, the tune into wobplay and enjoy... and debate


Kapitol Promotions

And the National Final invitations go to...

March 24 • The provisional list of bands that will be invited to compete at the 2026 National Finals at London and York have now been completed.


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 24 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position, back row cornets, and Bb bass. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Non contesting. Give us a call or email.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

March 24 • Cleethorpes Band are recruiting a new MD. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings and at the Northern of England contest secured 3rd place in the 4th section. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Enderby Band

March 24 • Enderby Band (Championship section) are seeking: 1 x BASS (Eb or Bb) and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working, friendly team, with promotion at the Spring Festival (Senior Cup) and a balanced diary of concerts & contests to look forward to.


Stephen Tighe

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd