*
banner

Spring Festival feedback wanted

Spring Festival organisers wish to hear from bands with their constructive views about the recent Blackpool contest.

Winter Gardens
 

The organisers of the British Open Spring Festival have informed 4BR that they will welcome feedback from bands about any aspect of the event run in Blackpool last weekend.

Progressive

Contest Controller Frank Hodges told 4BR that Karyn and Martin Mortimer wish to develop the event along progressive lines to benefit competing bands and offer audiences an even more enjoyable contesting experience at the Winter Gardens.

"There is a considerable investment in time and expense in running both the Spring Festival and the British Open," he said.

"The Winter Gardens continues to undergo long term redevelopment, whilst Besson/Buffet Group has announced its continued sponsorship. Once again a new test piece has been commissioned for Symphony Hall, this year from the highly respected composer Stephen Roberts."

as we have said from the outset, nothing is set in stone and certain aspects such as player registration and split draws are open to further progressive developmentFrank Hodges

Aware

He added: "We are aware that certain aspects of the Spring Festival have come under critical scrutiny, but as we have said from the outset, nothing is set in stone and certain aspects such as player registration and split draws are open to further progressive development.”

He concluded: "The 2013 Spring Festival attracted a great deal of support from bands and listeners, and we wish to build on that. Any constructive feedback will be welcomed and acted upon."

Contact:

Please contact Frank Hodges by telephone: 01942 703217

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    


Swedish

Results: 2025 Swedish National Championships

November 9 • Gota Brass make it eight wins in a row as they secure the Swedish title yet again


Paul Mealor

Mealor provides 12 answers

November 9 • Composer Paul Mealor reveals more about his life, work and future plans — including his latest brass band world premiere.


Webster

Webster passes on expertise to brass band students

November 9 • Roger Webster recently added to the student appeal of studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.


Varley

Varley takes decision to end Grimethorpe tenure

November 9 • Grimethorpe's respected solo horn player Helen Varley has stepped down from playing with the Yorkshire band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Delph Band - Delph Youth Band

Sunday 16 November • Denshaw Village Hall, . Ripponden Rd, . Denshaw, . Oldham OL3 5SY


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Audley Brass

November 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking an Eb BASS PLAYER as we work towards our Dickens A Christmas Carol theme concert, the Beartown Brewery Christmas party and the 2026 Area contest.


Tintwistle Band

November 9 • Attention soprano cornet players!. Tintwistle band (famed for the number 1 hit single Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs!) are looking for a soprano cornet player!. We are 2nd section, enjoy all year round concerts/contests, and band social events.


Harlow Brass Band

November 8 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd