*
banner

Foden's link up with Ford for double festive treat

National Champions to link up with big-band singer Matt Ford for a double dose of festive music making close to home.

Ford
  Matt Ford will be teaming up with Foden's for two performances on a single day

There will be an early festive treat for Foden's & Ford fans this weekend, as the acclaimed duo will be linking up once again for a concert appearance — this time entitled, 'Memories of Christmas'.

Matinee and evening bash

It's taking place on Saturday 15th December at the 400 seat Clonter Opera Theatre near Congleton (CW12 2LR) — and not just once either — but twice on the same day, with a matinee performance at 2.30pm followed by an evening bash at 7.30pm.

Busy time



Speaking about the concerts with the charismatic big-band singer, Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "We have a great relationship with Matt and being asked to provide two concerts on one day at such a busy time of the year shows just how it has caught the musical imagination of audiences as well as promoters.

We are now being asked to undertake more events throughout the UK — but this event is a wonderful way to round off our year close to home in this way with a programme of music that will appeal everyone."

We have a great relationship with Matt and being asked to provide two concerts on one day at such a busy time of the year shows just how it has caught the musical imagination of audiences as well as promotersMark Wilkinson

Stocking filler

And just in case members of the audience haven't yet got the ideal stocking filler, the band's new 'Memories of Christmas' CD, which has just been awarded Brass Band World's 'Christmas CD of the Year' will be on sale as well.

Tickets for the concert can be obtained via priorbooking.com or marklwilky@hotmail.com

Find out more

To find out more about the musical partnership go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f71XBSKOn9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bu5M-EY5VA

http://shop.fodensband.co.uk/

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd