*
banner

SIndy covers Open

The Independent on Sunday was the latest national newspaper to give brass bands their 15 minutes of fame on the weekend...

Symphony Hall
 

The 2010 British Open made the national press on the weekend, when there was a full page article in the Independent on Sunday newspaper or the ‘SIndy’ as it is referred to in Fleet Street drinking holes.

Sympathetic

The sympathetic, but somewhat error strewn article by Nina Lakhani featured back stage pictures of the winners, Tredegar, defending champion Cory and Ian Dust, the stalwart horn player of Brighouse & Rastrick.

Nina Lakani’s take on the day also included short interviews with Betty Anderson, the first woman to conduct at the contest, as well as members of the Tongwynlais Temperance Band.

Error strewn

However, it would have been better if she had perhaps read the excellently produced programme a bit more closely, or followed the 4BR Twitter service – calling Tommy Dorsey a legendary jazz trumpet player and not knowing that Munn & Felton’s were the last band to win off number 1 (4BR did inform them when we spoke to them) amongst the litany of well meaning mistakes.

Still, her Welsh spelling was spot on…

View article

The article can be viewed at:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/kind-hearts-and-cornets-in-the-battle-of-the-brass-bands-2070840.html

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival judges confirmed

October 30 • The adjudication teams for the 105th British Open Spring Festival in Birmingham next May have been announced.


A4 Quartet

A4 Brass Quartet set for start of London recital series

October 28 • The award winning A4 Brass Quartet will start new collaboration with National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London this Friday.


Invercargill

Cosmic challenge at New Zealand Championships

October 28 • The test pieces for the 2027 New Zealand National Championships have been announced — led by 'The Cosmographic Mystery' by Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen.


Flowers

Flowers mark Euro triumph with special presentations

October 28 • The European Champion has marked its memorable victory in Linz with special commemorative awards to its players.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 30 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd