*
banner

Winds of change at Wessex

A new contest format in Wessex has drawn an encouraging response from bands all keen to impress Frank Renton.

Renton
 

The Wessex Brass Band Association has been holding an annual competition for its members for over 50 years, but over the past couple of years the Association has been ringing the changes.

Wind of change

That wind of change has embraced the senior competition in 2010 with the decision that this year it will be run as an Own Choice contest — with a highly encouraging respeonse form bands wishing to compete.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The response has been very encouraging, but there is still room, and time, for a few more entries. The closing date is 27th September."

The draw for the contest will take on 2nd October and the contest itself will be held at the Pavilion Theatre in Weymouth, on Saturday, 27th November.

The adjudicator is Frank Renton and post contest concert will be given by the Woodfalls Band before the announcement of the results.

The response has been very encouraging, but there is still room, and time, for a few more entries. The closing date is 27th SeptemberWessex Band Association spokesperson

2011 Youth Contest

The Association's succesful Youth and Training Band Contest will be held next year on January 29th at the Trafalgar School, Downton, near Salisbury, sponsored by the Royal Marines.

The adjudicator will be Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace BMus(Hons) FLCM LRSM, Commandant of the Royal Marines School of Music and Principal Director of Music Royal Marines.

Further information:

Further information on both competitions can be obtained from Wessex Brass Band Association Secretary Mike and Lesley Knapton by telephone (01373 832572 or Mob.(0044)07760360105 )or email — ( meknapton@blueyonder.co.uk)

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    


Thonrotn and Raisbeck

Iles and Mortimer Medal honours for Thornton and Raisbeck

February 14 • David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck are the recipients of the 2026 Iles Medal and Mortimer Medal.


RBC

Brass Band Day at RBC

February 13 • Spend Valentine's Day exploring your love of brass at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire — alongside Thomas Fountain, Ian Porthouse, Eric Ball and Gordon Langford.


rncm

BBC Radio 3 to feature RNCM Festival highlights

February 13 • Performances from Black Dyke, Foden's and Cory are to be featured on BBC Radio 3.


Durham Miners

Fishburn offer musical solidarity for Big Meeting

February 13 • RMT Fishburn Band will support the fund raising efforts of the famous Durham Miners Gala.


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


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.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Thornton Cleveleys Band

February 10 • MD POSITION AVAILABLE AFTER NW AREA CONTEST.. A full and happy band awaits. Currently 3rd section. Confirmed entry to Fleetwood Contest. . Based in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde area.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd