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2026 National Championship of Great Britiain
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington
Saturday 03 October
NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition
October 2
Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
4BR Review — Episode 22
October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....
New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall
October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.
Tributes to Hammonds duo at Black Dyke
October 2 • The Black Dyke Band has paid tribute to Jon and Tim Hammond as they prepare to take their final contest bow with the Queensbury Band this weekend.
Former conductor pleads guilty to sexual assault
October 2 • The trial of Gareth Ritter has ended after the 44 year old pleads guilty to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.
BBC Young Musician of the Year to be aired
October 2 • The flagship bi-annual competition returns to BBC screens this Sunday.
National Youth Brass Band launches new partnership
October 2 • A new three-year link between the NYBBGB and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London is set to offer exciting opportunities for young performers.
Auditions open for 2027 Welsh music ensembles
October 2 • If you want to be a member of the National Youth Brass Band, National Youth Orchestra of National Youth Choir of Wales then the audition process is now open — and you had better be quick.
ConsTest comes to an end
October 2 • One of the most popular contesting additions to the calendar has been postponed indefinitely due to time pressures and scheduling.
Gavin Higgins: Black Sun for trombone quartet
£80.00£80.00
Pieta
£10.99£10.99
A Little Hymn (Gavin Higgins)
£39.99£39.99
Bounce - Album Download Voucher
£9.99£9.99
Broadheath
£16.99£16.99
4BR Review - Episode 22
October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise...
4BR Review - Episode 21
September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham.
4BR Review - Episode 20
July 23 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas are joined by Steven Mead to discuss the recent World Championships in Kerkrade as well as the opportunities that lie ahead for bands - starting with Black Dyke Band at The BBC Proms.
Remembering Trevor Austin
June 24 • A year ago today, Trevor Austin, the widely admired and respected founder of Rosehill Instruments passed away aged 94. In his eulogy, his younger son, Paul, shared his fondest memories of working with his father - a man who touched many musical lives.
2026 National Championship of Great Britain: Royal Albert Hall preview
October 1 • Much to ponder for bands, audiences and critics alike as the road to Kensington beckons once more...
2026 National Championship of Great Britain: Test piece review
October 2 • Philip Sparke's work was used as the set test at the 2024 European Championships in Palanga and certainly tested both body and soul of the bands...
Take a seat: The future of the National Championship in London
September 27 • Has the success of the move of the Section 1-4 National Finals signalled the real possibility of the end of the top section contest at the Royal Albert Hall?
2026 Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain: Gallery
September 22 • Steve Jack was on hand to capture images of the Fourth Section National Final in York.
LP review: The Unicorns
September 1 • A reminder of a true innovative banding spirit that flourished in Sweden with Solna Brass.
CD review: The Devil's Virtuosity
August 27 • Mauro Martins ensures he remains in musical control of his Faustian pact with Devilish excess.
Concert: National Youth Brass Band of Wales
August 25 • The Welsh nation should be hearing more about the benefits of one of its flagship youth arts ensembles.
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brass Band Willebroek | 1,110.63 |
| 2 | Flowers | 1,109.20 |
| 3 | Brass Band Treize Etoiles | 1,065.45 |
| 4 | Foden's | 996.57 |
| 5 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 813.77 |
| 6 | Cory | 690.90 |
| 7 | Valaisia Brass Band | 673.84 |
| 8 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 523.51 |
| 9 | Tredegar | 474.80 |
| 10 | Black Dyke | 417.94 |
Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet
Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet
Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band
Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.
Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT
Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army
Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Olney Brass
September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.
Ashington Colliery Band
September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.
Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band
September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.
Alex McGee
MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer