4BR Wednesday interview with Clare Cope
January 21
4BR talks to the award winning composer ahead of the world premiere of his work, 'The Green Chapel' at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.
Final chord ahead for Adachi and Nailsworth
January 21 • The successful six year partnership between Nailsworth Silver Band and Musical Director Anri Adachi will come to an end at the West of England Regional Championships.
80 bands line-up for Norwegian titles
January 21 • There will be two days packed with musical action in Bergen next month at the Norwegian National Championships.
Regional erratas added
January 21 • Bands have been reminded to keep an eye out for the list of errata on the 2026 Area test-pieces, as First Section amendment noted.
Cumbria Brass Network to meet in person
January 21 • In a great new step, the Cumbria Brass Network will meet in person to help support its aims and ambitions — so please go along and and add to the progress already made.
Adjudicators host AGM with test-piece examinations
January 21 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators recently held its Annual General Meeting with training and examination of professional development and test-pieces on the agenda.
Cory look back and forward after awards night
January 21 • Cory will head to the RNCM International Brass Band Festival after awards night celebrations.
Experienced brace adds to Haverhill strength
January 21 • Two experienced performers add to the contest line-up of Haverhill Silver Band
New Composer Head at Purcell School
January 21 • Dr Daniel Fardon has been appointed Head of Composition and Contemporary Music at The Purcell School.
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 14
January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.
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.
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 |
Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band
Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
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
Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band
Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Uckfield Concert Brass
January 21 • First baritone player wanted for our friendly and welcoming band. We play a variety of music, from pop to classical. We meet on Tuesday evenings at The Alma public house
Uckfield Concert Brass
January 21 • Bass player wanted for our friendly and welcoming band. We play a variety of music, from pop to classical. We meet on Tuesday evenings at The Alma public house
Uckfield Concert Brass
January 21 • Cornet players wanted for our friendly and welcoming band, both front and back row. We play a variety of music, from pop to classical. We meet on Tuesday evenings at The Alma public house
John Maines
BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor