*
banner

The BBC is looking for brass bands!

Radio 3 no less is looking for brass bands to celebrate the musical riches of 'light music'.

 

BBC Radio 3 is on the hunt for community brass bands, wind bands, choirs, any strictly amateur or voluntary ensemble, in fact, to be a part of weekend festival celebrating the riches of British 'Light Music'.

'Light Fantastic' is a participatory festival with a central focus around light orchestral music.

The focus is a weekend of events around the country and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 (24th — 27th June), which the BBC hopes will bring it closer to its audience.

'Light Fantastic' is a participatory festival with a central focus around light orchestral music4BR

Applications

The BBC is inviting applications from amateur ensembles to take part in BBC recording events across the UK — in Glasgow (5 June), Manchester (25/26 June), Cardiff (21/22 May), Exeter (5 June) and London (21/22 May).

Recordings may be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 in the context of Light Fantastic.

Full details

You can find full details of how to apply, with terms and conditions and the closing date for applications and also other ways to get involved by visiting the website www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/classical/lightfantastic or by emailing direct to radio3lightfantastic@bbc.co.uk

Ensembles

There are also opportunities for ensembles to submit their own recordings for consideration.

Full details about making a suitable recording are to be found on the Making Music website at www.makingmusic.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    


lbrrt

Report & Result: 2026 National Championship of Great Britain

October 3 • Cory returns on the road to victory as Philip Harper's band reclaims National title honours at the Royal Albert Hall.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Thundersley Brass Band

Tuesday 6 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Alder Valley Brass

October 6 • Seeking a Bb Bass player to join our friendly ambitious second section band under the direction of new MD Oliver Halstead - Brooks. Featuring a good variety of concerts and contests. . We rehearse each Monday and Thursday 8pm to 10pm in Farnham Surrey


Kibworth Band

October 3 • Kibworth Band seeks a Musical Director to lead our rebuilding and drive musical progress. Based in South Leicestershire, we rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm. We compete in the Championship Section, moving to First Section from January 2027.


Epping Forest Band

October 2 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd