4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia
January 12
We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.
4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival
January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.
Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London
January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.
Philip Jones celebration in London
January 12 • Leading student brass ensembles will celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic trumpet player Philip Jones.
BBP Registry issues reminder
January 12 • Bands are being reminded that they need to have all their registration requirements in order ahead of the regional championships this year.
New signings at Easington
January 12 • The North of England Championship contenders strengthen their ranks with two experienced new signings.
Funeral service for Ted Griffiths
January 12 • The funeral service details for Ted Griffiths have been confirmed.
Death of John Wallace CBE
January 12 • The death has been announced of one of the UK's most influential brass musicians.
Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army
January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.
Black Dyke Mills Band: Classic Brass
£5.39£5.39
Brass from the Masters - Volume 1
£6.50£6.50
Still Glides the Stream
£11.25£11.25
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
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
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
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brass Band Treize Etoiles | 1,011.29 |
| 2 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 999.68 |
| 3 | Cory | 915.46 |
| 4 | Foden's | 790.99 |
| 5 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 788.12 |
| 6 | Flowers | 676.02 |
| 7 | Brass Band Willebroek | 638.58 |
| 8 | Black Dyke | 634.73 |
| 9 | Valaisia Brass Band | 612.47 |
| 10 | the cooperation band | 540.01 |
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
Otley Brass Association
January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN
Cambrian Brass
January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.
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.
David W. Ashworth
RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator