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.