*
banner

Important day changes at Spring Festival

Make sure you note the changes to access to the Winter Gardens this year as judges as are announced for Spring Festival.

winter gardens
 

Competitors and supporters will have to be aware of changes that have taken place for the British Open Spring Festival at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday 26th April.

Access

Due to other events taking place in the Ballroom and Olympia Areas of the complex, the player's entrance is to be accessed from Coronation Street opposite the Marks & Spencer loading bay.

Players will be directed to the relevant changing area by a member of the Spring Festival organisation team.

The public entrance to the Winter Gardens will be from the front entrance on Church Street.

Tickets will be available on the day: Adults £12; Concessions £7

Limited trade stands

Due to the changes there will also only be a limited provision for commercial Trade Stands.

4BR understands that the contest organisers have been in touch with traders to explain the situation, whilst any trader, band or supporter who has any concerns or questions should contact Contest Controller Frank Hodges as soon as possible.

Contact:

Please note his new telephone number:

Frank Hodges,
39 Broxton Avenue
Orrell
Wigan
WN5 8NP

Telephone: 01942 212418
Mobile 07930 562 768
Email: frankhodges@btinternet.com

Players will be directed to the relevant changing area by a member of the Spring Festival organisation teamorganisers

Aware

A spokesperson told 4BR: "People are aware that the date of this year's Spring Festival is earlier than usual and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

However, we are confident that we will be able to return to a date early in May for 2015 and we will confirm this shortly."

Judges

Meanwhile, the list of adjudicators who will judge the various qualifying contests has also been confirmed as, Derek Broadbent, Dr. Robert Childs, David Horsfield, Mike Kilroy, Allan Ramsay and David Read MBE.

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    


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


Welcome

Warm welcome for Lawson at Welsh champion

March 28 • It's a been a long journey to get to his first rehearsal for Kyle Lawson at Cory — and its straight into concert action too.


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 5 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd