Take 5 — A quintet of female works to be enjoyed on more than the one day a year

March 5, 2026
8th March marks International Women's Day. The 4BR Editor picks five compositions by female composers that deserve to be celebrated in performance all year around.

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Interpreting the post Covid Area numbers — What's your answer?

February 28, 2026
Are we really combating the decline of our competing numbers with the small sustainability changes and choices that are being made at the Regional Championships? Check the recent numbers and see what you think.

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Beware shifting sands — The need for banding to read the warning signs

February 21, 2026
Brass Bands England very nearly paid the price for not heeding the warning signs of shifting financial sands - but their close call can instil optimism for the future.

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The Regional Championships — The bedrock of British banding

February 20, 2026
As competitors prepare for the series of regional qualifying contests, Tim Mutum explains how they came about by hard work and persuasion, and why, 60 years ago, the whole thing nearly came crashing down.

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What the papers say — Brass bands and the mainstream media

January 22, 2026
The banding movement has it challenges, but even the BBC Music Magazine seems to offer little in support of the efforts to break free of stereotypes

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Take 5 — A quintet of early seasons events to enjoy

January 2, 2026
Five festivals, championships, concerts and contests to make a date in you diary to attend in January and February.

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