*
banner

Huge audience expected at Open

You need to get to Symphony Hall early this year if you want to hear the action — as tickets are like gold dust it seems...

Symphony Hall
 

There is expected to be one of the biggest audiences ever to enjoy the action at the British Open Championship at Symphony Hall this year, with tickets available only in the highest reaches of the Grand Tier left if fans wish to hear 17 top bands tackle Ed de Boer’s ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’.

Incredible

"The response has been incredible," a British Open spokesperson told 4BR.

"It really has built on the success and popularity of last year’s event and goes to show that in its 162nd year the British Open retains its position as the most prestigious brass band contest in the world.

Once again, the attraction of the best bands playing a wonderful test piece in a brilliant venue gives the British Open worldwide appeal."

Only 130 left

4BR understands that there are only around 130 tickets left in a concert hall that holds 2,262 people, with the organisers urging fans to make their way early for the contest which this year starts on the stroke of 10.00am.

The spokesperson added: "We would ask people to get to Symphony Hall in plenty of time as we do not want to have to delay the start of the contest due to people trying to make a last minute dash to get in.

Come early, get your souvenir programme and study score and settle down in plenty of time to what promises to be a fantastic contest. We are sure you will not be disappointed."

We would ask people to get to Symphony Hall in plenty of time as we do not want to have to delay the start of the contest due to people trying to make a last minute dash to get inBritish Open

Book a ticket

If you wish to book a ticket go to:
http://www.thsh.co.uk/event/the-162nd-british-open-brass-band-championships/

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.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd