*
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    


NYBBNI

4BR Thursday interview with Les Neish

February 19 • We speak to the Besson artist as he prepares to take the baton for the first rehearsal meeting of the National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland.


Linz

Linz European line-ups confirmed

February 18 • 30 bands will take to the stage at the Brucknerhaus in Linz to try and claim the various European titles on offer.


Nationals

New website for National Championships

February 18 • A new website will bring you all you need to know about the National Championships of Great Britain.


John Ward

Ward takes baton for Friary Area challenge

February 18 • John Ward returns to the conducting rostrum in Stevenage to lead former champion Friary Brass in their Area challenge.


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


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) 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.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd