*
banner

New contest for Northern Ireland

The banding scene in Northern Ireland is set to be boosted by a new entertainment contest.

 

The Queen's University of Belfast and the Brass League have teamed up to present a new entertainment contest in Northern Ireland.

The event, which will take place on Sunday, 28th November, is modelled on the successful Land O' Burns contest in Troon, where all bands compete in a single competition with prizes for the overall winners and for winning bands in each of the grades.

Delighted

Head of Music at Queen's, Professor Michael Alcorn told 4BR: "We are delighted to be working with the Brass Band League on promoting this event.

"Queen's University is keen to support the local banding scene in Northern Ireland and to establish the University as a centre of excellence for brass playing. We launched a new brass band at the University in 2007 and we plan to create a junior band in 2011 as part of our new Junior Academy of Music."

We are delighted to be working with the Brass Band League on promoting this eventMichael Alcorn

Magnificent hall

The event will be held in the magnificent 1200 seater Whitla Hall at Queen's and the organisers are hoping to attract bands from across Ireland and would be delighted to welcome any bands from Scotland, England and Wales to the competition.

Closing date

The closing date for entries is 2nd October.

Further details and application forms are available from the Brass Band League website: www.brassbandleague.org

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.


Chris Wormald

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd