*
banner

If only other brass band events were like this....

Brass bands, food and drink — the perfect way to spend a summer day in Harwich.... and there are free brass workshops too.

Beer and brass
 

One of the most intoxicating mixes of pleasure imaginable is set to take place next weekend, with the ‘Great Big Brass Band Food & Drink Festival’ in Harwich.

Festival

Taking place on Saturday 6th July, the day has been organised as part of the annual Harwich Festival of the Arts and is set to be the centre piece of a 12 day event which will be running from June 26th until July 7th.

Free workshops

The bands of Norfolk Wherry and Harwich RBL Brass will kick things off at noon with further concert performance throughout the day from other ensembles as well as two free workshops for young players given by the internationally renowned trumpet players Heidi Bennett and Paul Archibald.

The first workshop will be a 45-minute session designed to give young players (8 years and above) an opportunity to try and range of brass instruments for themselves, whilst the second will be a workshop for instrumentalists, again from 8 years upwards and of an ABRSM Grade 1 – 5 standard.

Book now

Musicians will prepare and rehearse excerpts from a simplified version of Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’.

The second workshop will need to be pre-booked and to book a place, please email Jane Gibson. jane@harwichrblbrassband.co.uk

The whole day is set to be a true spectacular and hopefully it will be a fantastic advert for brass music in the North East Essex and the surrounding areasorganisers

Beer!

To compliment the music, the local Harwich Brewery will have a stall selling their fantastic beers, whilst some of Harwich’s pubs, restaurants and other establishments will also be in attendance providing a wide range of locally produced products for people to try and then perhaps buy!!

The finale of the day will be a massed bands concert which will culminate in a performance of the ‘1812 Overture’, which will include a firework display as the piece reaches its climax.

Spectacular

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The whole day is set to be a true spectacular and hopefully it will be a fantastic advert for brass music in the North East Essex and the surrounding areas."

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd