*
banner

New ringside seats for Battle of the Bands

The popular Battle of the Bands entertainment contest will be held at a new venue this year.

Ireland Colliery
 

4BR has been informed that the 9th annual Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Band & Raw Brewery ‘Battle of the Bands’ entertainment contest will take place at Parkside Community School, Chesterfield on Sunday 14th June.

Popular

Regarded as one of the most popular events in the local banding calendar, it welcomes competitors of all levels and backgrounds.

Entries are available for First Section contenders down to Training and non-registered bands, with a generous prize fund and many special prizes to be won.

This year the event moves to Parkside Community School, a much larger venue, located in the heart of Chesterfield, which offers better facilities for bands and supporters alike.

Enjoy a pint

The contest is part of Ireland Colliery Band & Raw Brewery Annual Beer Festival, so if you like to spend time away from the music and enjoy a pint or two of locally brewed real ale, then the event is also the perfect place to be.

New contests

Contest Controller Ian Knapton told 4BR: “We have listened to bands and found a new venue that offers separate performance areas to the food/bar and trade stand areas, and two fantastic contest halls for us to add the new First/Second Section contest.”

This year’s event will be judged by the experienced duo of Mike Fowles and Martin Heartfield, with a £300 top prize in the combined First/Second Section contest and £300 for the combined Third & Fourth Section.

We have listened to bands and found a new venue that offers separate performance areas to the food/bar and trade stand areas, and two fantastic contest halls for us to add the new First/Second Section contestIan Knapton

Contact and closing date

The closing date for entries is 17th May

Contact: iccbbattleofbands@gmail.com

07792160553

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    


Spring Festival

Change in judging teams for 2027 Spring Festival

November 5 • A conflict of interest sees Dr Robert Childs step down from his Grand Shield adjudication appointment, with Col David Barringer now taking Senior Cup roll.


siddis brass

Live Wobplay coverage of Siddis Championships

November 5 • You can sit back and enjoy the Norwegian entertainment on offer from Stavanger on Saturday on the wobplay.com media platform.


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd