Season's Greetings

Christmas greetings and good wishes for 2013 to all present, past and future players in Newstead brass, our audiences, supporters and their families.

Newstead Brass Unwrap Their Christmas Presence

Hucknall is set for a musical Christmas feast celebrating some of the best of the region’s best current and up-coming talented musicians with Newstead Brass’ “Sounds Like Christmas” concert at Central Methodist Church on Thursday December 20th.

Newstead Brass and musical director Duncan Beckley will be joined by the talented young saxophonists of ‘Imperfect Fifth’ and teenage vocalist Laura Hanson.  There will also be carols for the audience to sing with the band. ‘Sounds Like Christmas’ begins at 7.30 pm on Thursday December 20th with ‘pre-concert’ music from some of the young players of the Bestwood ‘Black Diamonds’ training band.  Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased via the band website,  from band members, or reserved by calling 0115 952 7435.

A band spokesman added, “We’re delighted to once again complete our Christmas programme with a concert in Hucknall.  Even though the band relocated from Hucknall to Newstead over 20 years ago, the ‘Byron story’ ensures we retain strong links with the town with regular concerts as well as leading the annual remembrance parade.”

Newstead brass began its Christmas programme at a full St. Peter’s Church in Nottingham last Saturday, December 8th, as guests of Lily Taylor-Ward.  Next weekend they will perform in the Gedling Borough Council Civic Carol Service at St Paul’s Church, Daybrook, on Saturday December 15th (7.00 pm, collection for Mayor’s charities) and the Carol Service at St. Wilfrid’s Church, Kirkby at 6.00 pm on Sunday December 16th.

Hucknall Christmas Tree Festival 2012

A black and gold tree (reflecting the band's colours) will be one of over 50 exhibits at the 2012 Hucknall Christmas Tree Festival taking place at the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Market Place from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th December.

The festival opens at 6 pm on Wednesday and continues form 10-12, 2-4 and 6-8 on Thursday and Friday with the final chance to visit on Saturday morning. There is free admission and light refreshments are available.

The band's 2010 tree 'Band of Angels' (shown right) was one of the prize-winning entries. This year's tree takes the theme 'Hark the Glad Sound'.

Newstead Brass begin their Christmas programme on Saturday 8th December with 'A Christmas Celebration' at 7.30 pm in St Peter's Church, Nottingham (next to Marks and Spencer) and perform in Hucknall for  their annual  'Sounds Like Christmas' which will be at the Central Methodist  Church on Thursday 20th December at 7.30 pm with special guests the 'Imperfect Fifth' Saxophone group and vocalist Laura Hanson.

Newstead Brass Show Their Class Against National Field

Newstead Brass were the highest placed midland’s brass band at the ‘Leicestershire Open’ Brass Band Contest with principal euphonium Lynden Cooper taking the award for ‘best instrumentalist’.

The increasingly popular contest attracted over 70 entries with 12 bands competing in the highest graded ‘open’ section featuring bands from Essex, Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire, Yorkshire and London as well as across the midlands. Adjudicator David Read commented that there were 5 ‘very good’ performances, any of which could have won a similar contest. Newstead’s performance of ‘Between the Moon and Mexico’ by Philip Sparke was awarded 4th place, behind winners Ashton-under-Lyne, Aveley & Newham and Hebden Bridge.

Band spokesman Mike Allcock commented, “Our Musical Director Duncan Beckley was pleased with how the band played on stage and so we’re a little disappointed to have missed out on a ‘podium’ finish. We’re delighted to have proven we’re again one of the top midland’s brass bands and particularly pleased that the contribution of our principal euphonium Lynden Cooper was recognised with the award for ‘best instrumentalist’.”

Newstead brass will now finalise preparations for their Christmas programmes. These commence on Saturday 8th December at St Peter’s Church in Nottingham and conclude with ‘Sounds Like Christmas’ at Hucknall Central Methodist Church on Thursday December 20th. For more details visit the band website, www.newsteadband.co.uk or call 0115 952 7439.

Remember, Remember, Throughout November

The award winning Newstead Brass band are playing a full part in local events commemorating the sacrifices made in and since the two world wars last century.

Newstead Brass began a busy month with the Royal British Legion ‘Poppy Appeal’ in Loughborough on Wednesday November 1st joining with the Carlton Male Voice Choir to provide an entertaining evening with all proceeds supporting the vital work of the Royal British Legion.

This Sunday, November 11th, Newstead Brass will lead the Remembrance Sunday parades at Hucknall, Nottingham in the morning and Kilburn, Derbyshire in the afternoon and on Saturday 17th November, Newstead Brass and Carlton Male Voice Choir will take part in the Gedling Festival of Remembrance at Carlton Forum Leisure Centre starting at 7.00 pm.  Tickets cost £5 (under 12s free) to support the Royal British Legion and the Gedling Mayor’s charity, the Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre.  The evening will also include a remembrance service conducted by the Rev Sally Bayliss.

The remembrance events follow on from Newstead brass concert debut in Ashbourne in October where the band received a standing ovation and many compliments and congratulations.

Newstead brass are also preparing for the annual Leicestershire Brass Band Association Open Brass Band competition on Sunday November 25th.  Details of Newstead brass Christmas and new year appearances will be announced shortly.

Newstead Brass set for Ashbourne Debut

Newstead Brass are set for their first appearance in Ashbourne’s renowned St John’s Parish Church when they present ‘An Autumn Spectacular’ on Saturday October 27th in support of the charity work of the ‘Old Ashburnian Society’.

Following on from a successful ‘Songs from the shows’ concert at Mansfield Palace Theatre in September, the ‘Autumn Spectacular’ will feature not only music from the stage, but also some popular classics, a swing selection and music celebrating this year’s Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen.

A Band spokesman added, “As one of the Midlands  leading brass bands we’re in demand across the region and we’re delighted to be making our Ashbourne debut.  We hope to be returning in years to come.”

The concert begins at 7.30 pm and admission is £8, which includes a glass of wine or soft drink.  Tickets can be reserved by calling 01335 300359.

The concert has been arranged by the 'Old Ashburnian Society' and proceeds will support current students at Ashbourne's Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and the charitable work of the Old Ashburnian Society.

Newstead Brass Set for Concert at (Mansfield) Palace

Award winning Newstead Brass lead the bill for an evening of ‘Brass and Voices’ featuring leading local musicians at the Mansfield Palace Theatre on Sunday September 23rd, starting at 7.30 pm.

The inaugural ‘Brass and Voices’ concert drew a near capacity audience to the theatre in 2011. This year’s concert is themed around ‘Songs from the Shows’.  Newstead Brass will be joined by the Carlton Male Voice Choir and tenor Sam Barson, a local member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

This event follows on from Newstead Brass’ appearances in the acclaimed community play ’Not Much Matches Mansfield’ performed around Mansfield town centre in July.  Newstead brass also appeared in the popular Mansfield Palace production of ‘Brassed Off’ in 2011.

Tickets are now on sale, priced at £8.50, (£7.50 concessions) from the Mansfield Palace Theatre box office on 01623 633133.

Not much matches Newstead brass

Newstead Brass showed that they’re unmatched for innovative performances as they joined in a major outdoor community theatre production ‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’ over the weekend of July 14th and 15th.

Jon Tams (songwriter for the National Theatre production of ‘Warhorse’) acted as musical adviser to the production, written by Kevin Fegan (‘Britain’s most innovative playwright’) with music by Ian Carter.

‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’ celebrated the town’s past, present and future with six separate scenes performed at five outdoor venues with musicians from Newstead brass involved in 5 of the scenes. Audiences of several hundred followed the action in a ‘promenade’ production which took around 3 hours to view from start to finish.  The finale on Mansfield market place featured the 60 strong cast from the Mansfield Palace Community Theatre Group, a choir of up to 80 local school children and Newstead Brass.

On the Saturday evening Newstead brass lit up the Derbyshire skies as part of the annual Ripley Music Festival ‘Proms in Crossley Park’.  Despite the recent damp weather, the band and organisers ensured the event went ahead and were rewarded with an audience of around 2,000 people who enjoyed a varied up-tempo programme concluding with a firework display with live music from the band in a new transcription of ‘Zadok the Priest’ by David Oswin.

‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’ was presented as part of the Mansfield Arts Festival supported with funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery.

Photos from Newstead brass performance at Ripley Festival can be viewed on our Gallery pages.

Newstead brass return to Mansfield for 'Brass and Voices at the Palace'on Sunday September 23rd.  Tickets (£8.50 / £7.50, Group discounts) are available from Mansfield Palace Theatre (Box Office 01623 633133)  

Newstead Brass Fired up for Festival Fireworks

The annual ‘Brass Spectacular’ is again set to light up the Derbyshire skies as part of the Ripley Music Festival ‘Proms in Crossley Park’ on Saturday July 14th.  The FREE event starts at 7.30 pm and ends with a Firework Finale accompanied by live music from the award winning Newstead Brass band.

There will be a variety of music on display during the evening performed on a special festival stage in the park.  Newstead Brass will entertain with a range of classic, show and popular brass arrangements and compositions before leading the audience in some ‘last night of proms’ favourites.

The concert will end with Newstead Brass’ marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by performing the Coronation Anthem ‘Zadok The Priest’ to accompany the spectacular ‘Firework Finale’.

Admission is free but the audience should bring their own chairs / blankets to sit on and picnics are encouraged.  Food will also be on sale from a ‘burger’ stall run by the Ripley Lions’ club with proceeds going to charity. 

The ‘Proms in Crossley Park’ is part of a busy weekend for Newstead brass who will also be taking part in an outdoor theatre production ‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’ on the streets of Mansfield between 12 noon and 3.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th July.

Newstead Brass set to show that Not Much Matches Mansfield

Newstead Brass are set to innovate once again as they support A FREE outdoor musical theatre performance in Mansfield Town Centre.

The band will perform in ‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’. a new community play, on the afternoons of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th July, sandwiching their appearance at the ‘Brass Spectacular’ in Ripley’s Crossley Park’ on the Saturday evening including live accompaniment to the ‘Firework Finale.’

‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’ incorporates six separate scenes depicting the town’s history performed at various venues around the town centre between 12 noon and 3.00 pm each day.  A 60 strong cast from the Mansfield Palace Community Theatre Group will be supported by a choir of up to 80 local school children and Newstead Brass Band.

For more details download the guidance leaflet giving scene details, venues and times.

The project has been largely funded by Arts Council England/National Lottery.

Newstead brass will present an evening of Brass and Voices at the Mansfield Palace Theatre on Sunday September 23rd.

Picnic in the Garden with Newstead Brass

Newstead Brass are set to return to the Millennium Garden at Nottingham University to perform as part of the annual open garden event this Sunday, July 1st .

The Picnic in the Park event will run from 12pm to 3pm at the Millennium Garden, in the university campus off Lenton Hall Drive.

The event, now in its tenth year, has been organised by the Friends of University Park group, and people are encouraged to take along picnics.

As well as performances by the band, there will also be free activities including making willow globes, face-painting, rocket-making and pond-dipping and there will be refreshments on sale.

Chairman of the Friends group, Desmond O'Grady, who is also grounds manager at the university, said: "It is a really nice event. There is something for all ages and people can have a wander around the gardens in a nice, safe atmosphere."

‘Double Diamond’ for Newstead Brass

It’s a ‘double diamond’ bank holiday Monday for Newstead Brass with two concert appearances on June 4th celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. In Derbyshire, Newstead brass will play at noon to open the ‘BIG Street Party’ on the Charles Hill Sports Fields at Loscoe.  The Street Party will feature Kings and Queens Fancy Dress plus lots of other activities. All are welcome, remember to take your own Food! Later, the band will play in Nottinghamshire for the finale of Kirkby in Ashfield’s ‘Jubilee Party in the Park’ being held in Kingsway Park.  The party runs from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.  Kirkby Colliery band will open the event which also features a town crier, hog roast, burgers, bouncy castle and children's corner, Navy, Army and Airforce cadets and displays of vintage vehicles. Newstead Brass will play for a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ finale from around 4.00 pm. A Newstead band spokesman said, “We’re delighted to be part of the local celebrations on this special weekend.  Brass Bands are part of our heritage and it’s fitting that so many bands nationally are supporting these community events.”

Music and Song for the Queen's Birthday

An ‘Evening Music and Song’ helped raise over £1,500 for the Rainbows Hospice and Nottingham Emmanuel House Day Centre with a concert at Beeston’s Chilwell Road Methodist Church on Saturday April 21st.

The concert celebrated the Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee, so it was appropriate that Newstead Brass and musical director Duncan Beckley opened the concert with Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks.’  The band demonstrated their versatility by also including music from stage, screen swing and the salvation army in their programme.

The concert also featured songs from Andy Ward (Tenor) and young debutants Sam Barson (Tenor) and Lily Taylor-Ward (Soprano) in a varied and high quality programme introduced by broadcaster Colin Slater MBE. As befitting for an event so close to St. George’s day, the concert ended with the audience joining all the performers for ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and ‘Jerusalem’.

The event was promoted by the Stapleford and Sandiacre Rotary Club with financial support from Paul Clements Shelton & Co, Sinbad Plant Hire and Westerman builders.

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Festival to Feature Championship Brass

There’s a chance for local music fans to hear some of the best in brass band music when Newstead Brass host a Midland Area Test Piece Festival on Sunday, February 26th with different bands performing the music set for the Midland region of the National Brass Band Championships.

The festival takes place at the Newstead Centre, on Tilford Road in Newstead and the host band will be joined by other award winning bands from across the region with the first performance at 7.00 pm.

Admission costs £2 at the door and everyone is welcome.

A Newstead band spokesman said, “This event is a great chance for both brass followers and those with a more general musical interest to come along and experience a variety of pieces from the brass band repertoire. This year’s selections include music from established composers Derek Bourgeois and Ralph Vaughan-Williams, popular brass band composers Goff Richards and Philip Harper and a recent piece by young Swiss composer Bertrand Moren.”

Newstead Brass First Concert of 2012

Award winning Newstead Brass start their 2012 concert series this Saturday, January 28th, with a concert of popular music at Kirkby Woodhouse’s St John’s Church.

The event begins at 7.30 pm when Newstead Brass and their musical director Duncan Beckley will present a programme of popular music, including tracks from their new CD ‘Goldcrest’ which will also be available on the night.

Admission is £5 per person (£3 for children) including light refreshments. Tickets can be booked by calling 01623 759094 and will also be available at the door.

The church of St John the Evangelist can be found on Skegby Road at Kirkby Woodhouse, adjacent to the Annesley Woodhouse library, postcode NG17 9BE.

The ‘Goldcrest’ CD is also available via the band website for £11 including delivery