*
banner

Saxhorn Fest adds youth and experience to attractions

The forthcoming Saxhorn Festival in north Yorkshire is going to be packed with attractions for players of all ages and experience — so why not sign up and get inspired by the best...

Saxhorn
  Prof Philip Wilby and Fiona Casewell add to the attractions at the forthcoming Saxhorn Fest event

The forthcoming tenor horn and baritone 'Saxhorn Fest' has announced a number of special guests who will take part in the event, along with details of the soloists to be featured in its evening recital concert.

The festival will take place on Saturday 2nd February in the North Yorkshire market town of Richmond (10.30am — 5.00pm), based at the excellent facilities of the British Army bandroom at Catterick Garrison (DL9 3LR).

Youth and experience

The renowned composer Prof Philip Wilby will be joining the day as a guest speaker to share his experience and knowledge with those in attendance. A number of his compositions will also feature throughout the festival.

In addition, Reg Vardy baritone player Fiona Casewell will lead the youth focus element, aimed specifically at players up to the age of 18.

Fiona's renowned teaching approach has inspired countless youngsters over the years, and will provide an outstanding opportunity for aspiring players to gain further motivation to enhance their development.

A touch of jazz

With generous support from partners Band Supplies, Besson and Yamaha, the festival has been able to add to the number of attractions for players of all ages and abilities — from workshops and guests to a jazz set by the band '4 Odd Dogs' featuring tenor horn player Nat Martin of Foden's.

Tickets are also available to the general public for the 7.00pm 'Evening Recital' at St Mary's Church in Richmond (DL10 7AQ).

The concert will feature Michael Cavanagh (Grimethorpe Colliery, A4 Brass Quartet), plus festival founders Katrina Marzella (Black Dyke), Helen Varley (Grimethorpe Colliery) alongside accompanist Ruth Webb. The concert will include a variety of solo and ensemble pieces especially written or arranged for the event.

As well as featuring music by composers Prof Philip Wilby and Liz Lane the festival will also premiere a new composition entitled 'Minibeasts' for quartet and piano, written by award winning composer Andy Wareham.

The ethos of the festival is about supporting players of all abilities during the day, and championing fantastic talent in the eveningHelen Varley

All ages and abilities

Speaking to 4BR, Helen Varley said: "The ethos of the festival is about supporting players of all abilities during the day, and championing fantastic talent in the evening.

Andy's new composition will be one of many highlights of the day and we're really looking forward to premiering such a creative new work."

The daytime event is open to all tenor horn and baritone players of any age or ability.

Tickets:

Tickets for the full day are between £15 & £20 (concessions for students in full time education, disabled persons and military personnel) and also includes lunch.

There are also a limited number of tickets available for observers (e.g. for parents).
Tickets are also available to the general public for the Evening Recital (£7 & £10).

Full ticket details for the workshops and evening recital are available online at: http://www.neromusicpress.com/saxhorn-fest-2019.html

Tickets for the evening recital are also available from Marrianne Garbutt on 07886176511.

More information:

E-mail: saxhornfest@gmail.com
Facebook: Saxhorn Fest (public group)
Twitter: #saxhornfest

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    


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Committee issues Third Section statement

March 8 • The Yorkshire Regional Championship Committee has clarified the reason behind the delay in the announcement of the Third Section results in Huddersfield.


Market Rasen

Results: 2026 Midlands Regional Championships

March 7 • Area title success for GUS, Rushden Town, Market Rasen and Cubbington Silver Band in Bedworth.


Perth

Results: 2026 Scottish Championships

March 7 • Whitburn claim the domestic honours as Kirkintilloch Kelvin, Johnstone, Selkirk Silver and Bon-Accord B take section titles in Perth.


South Yorkshire Police

Results: 2026 Yorkshire Regional Championships

March 7 • Area title success for Hepworth, South Yorkshire Police, Hatfield & Askern Colliery, Drighlington and Queensbury Music Centre in Huddersfield.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

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


Rushden Town Band

March 8 • 2nd Trombone for Midlands Area First Section Champions 2026.


Glossop Old Band

March 7 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

March 6 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd