*
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    


Score

Red Admiral announces launch of Access to Adjudication initiative

January 22 • A new approach to brass band adjudication training is being offered through the Red Admiral Music Academy


Band Supplies

Band Supplies has Area ready instruments to go....

January 22 • If its the perfect instrument you are looking for to boost your Area chances, then Band Supplies may well have the perfect Besson choice for you...


NAMM

John Packer leads UK brands at NAMM

January 22 • The John Packer stable of instruments is making its mark on the American market place at the huge NAMM Trade festival in California.


Philip Sparke

Music of the Spheres chosen as British Open set work

January 22 • Philip Sparke's iconic test-piece will be the challenge for the bands to meet at the 2026 British Open Championship.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has a horn seat vacancy.. Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd