*
banner

Countdown to Preston — 1 day to go

How to pick a winner at Preston? 4BR tries to work out the failsafe method of predicting how things will pan out on 'Eden'.

English National
 

There may only be nine bands in the field to choose from on Saturday, but trying to find a formula to pick a winner before a note is blown can be a complicated business.

Easiest way?

The easiest way of course is to trust in the 4BR predictions (we sense raised eyebrows already).

If you did have any spare cash to invest in the local bookies at Preston then by following the 4BR predictions you would come up with the following result.

1. Black Dyke
2. Foden’s
3. Rothwell Temperance
4. Leyland
5. Fairey (Geneva)
6. Reg Vardy
7. Pemberton Old Wigan DW
8. Hammonds Saltaire
9. Skelmanthorpe

http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2010/1151d.asp


So which tipster do you follow – the scientific approaches of the stats men or the heart and soul guesswork of the 4BR team or the bookies4BR

4BR/World of Brass Rankings:

If however, you based your predictions purely on the current 4BR/World of Brass rankings, the result should pan out as follows:

1. Foden’s
2. Black Dyke
3. Leyland
4. Rothwell Temperance
5. Fairey (Geneva)
6. Reg Vardy
7. Hammonds Saltaire
8. Pemberton Old Wigan DW
9. Skelmanthorpe

http://www.4barsrest.com/rankings/


Brassstats.com

By following the current Brassstats.com Ranking list you could well end up with a final prize list as follows:

1. Black Dyke
2. Foden’s
3. Rothwell Temperance
4. Leyland
5. Fairey (Geneva)
6. Reg Vardy
7. Pemberton Old Wigan DW
8. Skelmanthorpe
9. Hammonds Saltaire

http://brassstats.com/default.aspx


4BR Money List

If on the other hand, you opt for the 4BR Money List as a guide to current form, then the result could well pan out as follows:

1. Fairey (Geneva)
2. Foden’s
3. Rothwell Temperance
4. Leyland
5. Black Dyke
6. Pembeton Old Wigan DW
7. Hammonds Saltaire
8. Reg Vardy
9. Skelmanthorpe

http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?offset=100&id=11729


Paddy Flower bookies

Finally, the unofficial brass band bookie that is the excellent Paddy Flower on themouthpiece.com would see you putting your hard earned dosh on:

1. Black Dyke
2. Foden’s
3. Rothwell Temperance
4. Fairey (Geneva)
5. Leyland
6. Reg Vardy
7. Pemberton Old Wigan DW
8. Hammonds Saltaire
9. Skelmanthorpe

http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=40210&page=6

Which tipster to follow?

So which tipster do you follow – the scientific approaches of the stats men or the heart and soul guesswork of the 4BR team or the bookies.

Come to think of it – what system will Derek Broadbent, David Horsfield and Kevin Wadsworth follow in the box?

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


testpice

Ellerby and Harper to lead on-line test-piece workshop

February 15 • Composers Martin Ellerby and Philip Harper will take the opportunity to talk about their Championship and Second Section set-works in a special free on-line workshop.


Tine Helseth

Echoes impact for Tine Thing Helseth

February 15 • The latest solo CD from trumpet star Tine Thing Helseth has been nominated for the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy Award.


UnIbrass

Results: 2026 UniBrass Championships

February 15 • The University of Birmingham Music Society successfully defends the UniBrass Trophy as the University of Nottingham claims a first UniBrass Shield title.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd