January 17
The Black Dyke Band solo Eb tuba player shines his light to claim the title honours with the baton in Tidworth.
January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.
January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.
January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.
January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.
January 18 • A visit from the composer Richard Blackford and conductor Martyn Brabbins adds to the levels of preparation ahead of eagerly anticipated world premiere at RNCM Festival.
January 18 • The Scottish champion presents its annual awards to players of all ages and experience who have done their bit to keep the organisation at the top of their game.
January 18 • Ralph Brill has become the new resident conductor at Dalmellington Band.
January 18 • The Brass in Concert Champion has launched a new monthly percussion ensemble open to players of all ages and experience.
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.
December 31 • Iwan and Chris announce the long list of nominations for the 2025 4BR Awards. Drum roll please...
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.
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.
January 2 • Five festivals, championships, concerts and contests to make a date in you diary to attend in January and February.
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.
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.
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.
January 7 • Size matters even when European champion Brassband Willebroek provides evocative responses to questions big, small, sparkling and reflective.
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.
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 |
Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER
Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015
Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015
Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
January 20 • Flookburgh band are a friendly motivated band in the south lakes, Cumbria . We have a vacancy for trombone/ bass trombone. We are newly promoted to the 2nd section and have a busy season of engagements ahead.
January 20 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.
January 20 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)