*
banner

Northern Open set for entries

The 33rd Northern Open will be taking place later this year — and is looking for entries.

Theatre Royal St helens
 

4BR has been informed that plans are well underway for this year’s Northern Open Contest, which will be held at St Helen’s Theatre Royal on Sunday 17th November.

Excellent work

Thanks to the excellent work of the team of organisers, and despite additional pressures, it will be the 33rd consecutive time the popular event has been held, with four sections open to competing bands that are urged to get their entry forms in a soon as possible.

For the last few years the Northern Open Brass Band Championships have been sponsored by R. Banks & Son (Funerals Ltd) and its managing director, Brian Halliwell. However, due to personal reasons, this sponsorship has been discontinued this year.

Thanks

Phil Upton, Secretary to the Northern Open committee told 4BR: "The Championship committee would like to place on record its thanks to Brian for his support in the past.

He stepped in at a crucial time to ensure the future of the event and we thank him for his generous sponsorship."

it will be the 33rd consecutive time the popular event has been held, with four sections open to competing bands that are urged to get their entry forms in a soon as possibleOrganisers

Contest format

This year’s contest will follow the usual format of an own choice test piece, with a pre-draw taking place to assist Fourth Section bands.
Entry forms and schedules are available from the contest controller:

Contact:

Frank Hodges
39 Broxton Avenue
Orrell
Wigan
WN5 8NP

Telephone 01942 703217 Mobile 07930 562 768
Email: — frankhodges@btinternet.com

Entry forms and other details are available on: lancashirecontests.com

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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd