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John Wallace CBE

John Wallace becomes new Honorary Vice President at coop

January 10
The Brass in Concert champion has spoken of its pride that John Wallace CBE has become its new Honorary Vice President.


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


Mallinson

Hammonds sign NYBBGB flugel Mallinson

January 10 • The Hammonds Band has signed Noah Mallinson as their new flugel horn player.


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Championship schedule confirmed

January 9 • There will be two days of exciting Yorkshire banding battles in Huddersfield to enjoy.


Tredegar look to new business lead for 150th anniversary

January 9 • Welsh champions will take a new approach to their business outlook as their celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.


Compilation album on offer from NXTOD

January 9 • There are plenty of highlights to enjoy from 2025 — and its all free from the NXTOD media platform.


Marsden thanks banding community for support

January 9 • Marsden Silver Prize Band has thanked the banding world for its offers of its help after flooding damages its bandroom and contents.


Wilson takes lead at Cockerton

January 9 • The experienced Duncan Wilson becomes the new Musical Director of Cockerton Prize Silver Band


4BR Review - Episode 13

4BR Review - Episode 13

December 31 • Iwan and Chris announce the long list of nominations for the 2025 4BR Awards. Drum roll please...


4BR Review - Episode 12

4BR Review - Episode 12

December 5 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas explore the intriguing question of whether or not there has been a change in outlook in the music being performed at major contests, concerts and on recordings.


4BR Review - Episode 11

4BR Review - Episode 11

November 23 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas discuss whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host major championship competitions.


4BR Review - Episode 10

4BR Review - Episode 10

October 21 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at the 2025 Albert Hall National Championship.


Take 5: A quintet of early seasons events to enjoy

Take 5: A quintet of early seasons events to enjoy

January 2 • Five festivals, championships, concerts and contests to make a date in you diary to attend in January and February.


4BR Band of the Year: The conductor and players

December 29 • These are the performers who made a mark on 4BR in the last 12 months to book their place in the ranks of our 2025 Band of the Year.


4BR Christmas Quiz: How good is your brass band knowledge?

December 26 • Thanks to our friends at Band Supplies and Besson we have a fantastic Prodige Cornet and gifts waiting to find a new home in 2026 — if you can get the answers right.


The Baroness Hodge Arts Council England Report: A possible ACE hand for banding?

December 23 • Baroness Hodge has taken Arts Council England to task for stifling artistic innovation and creativity, so what could her recommendations mean for banding bodies who get ACE funding.

CD review: European Brass 25

January 7 • Size matters even when European champion Brassband Willebroek provides evocative responses to questions big, small, sparkling and reflective.


LP review: A Tribute to Eric Ball OBE, ARCM

January 5 • A 45 year old reminder of the timeless qualities of a composer that the current brass band movement would do well to full re-evaluate.


Concert: Laganvale Metal Technology Band

December 31 • A early festive helping of Christmas cheer from Charles Ffyffe and his band.


# Band Points
1Brass Band Treize Etoiles1,011.29
2Brighouse and Rastrick999.68
3Cory915.46
4Foden's790.99
5Eikanger-Bjørsvik788.12
6Flowers676.02
7Brass Band Willebroek638.58
8Black Dyke634.73
9Valaisia Brass Band612.47
10the cooperation band540.01

Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

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