*
banner

World Rankings: October update

Historic double sends Foden's to the top of the rankings.

Foden's in action at the RAH
 

Foden’s returns to the rankings top spot for the first time in eight years following completion of the band’s historic ‘double’ of British Open and National titles in London last weekend, and looks to have a very good chance of retaining the coveted number one position at the end of the year.

Top 10 bands 1. Foden's 2. Black Dyke 3. Cory 4. Brighouse & Rastrick 5. Fairey 6. Tredegar 7. Leyland 8. Grimethorpe 9. Co-operative Funeralcare 10. Tongwynlais Temperance

Black Dyke’s disappointing 9th place at the Royal Albert Hall means it can’t unseat Foden’s, but Cory’s appearance at November’s Brass in Concert Championship gives the Welsh band a fighting chance finishing as the world’s leading contesting band for the sixth year in succession.

Early indications are that a top-two finish there should be enough, but there will be plenty of fine bands there trying to stop the 2008 champion!

The other contests held since the last update were:

New South Wales Championships — won by St. Mary's Band Club;
Exmouth Festival of Brass — won by St. Pinnock;
Hardraw Scar — won by Hade Edge;
Welsh Miners Welfare — won by Melingriffith (City of Cardiff) 2;
Doctor Martin Trust Entertainment Contest — won by Reg Vardy;
Wychavon Festival — won by Tredegar;
Dronfield Contest — won by Dronfield;
Swiss Open — won by Treize Etoiles;
Cornish Brass Band Championships — won by St. Dennis;
SCABA — Crawley — won by Wantage Silver 'A';
West Wales Festival — won by Burry Port;
Fleetwood Contest — won by Rainford;
Fife Charities — won by Unison Kinneil;
Bolsover Festival of Brass — won by EYMS;
Pogson Bray — won by Clifton and Lightcliffe;
Northern Ireland Championships — won by 1st Old Boys Association Silver.

To view all the ranked bands, go to:

www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

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    


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

September 3 • Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

September 3 • Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd