*
banner

Foden's set for contest day

The hugely successful Foden's Solo Contest will take place with Besson Musical Instrument help later this year.

Fodens
 

The Foden's Band has announced that their annual Solo Contest will take place on the 31st October in Sandbach.

Sponsors

The event, which has become the largest of its kind in the UK will once again be sponsored by Besson Musical Instruments. Last year the contest attracted over 150 competitors — many from abroad — who came to battle for the generous prizes and prestigious titles.

The adjudicators this year will be Helen Williams, Owen Farr and Florent Didier (MD of Paris Brass Band) who will have the difficult tasks of picking the winners and awarding prizes that include overseas tours, bursaries and new music commissions.

Superbly run

Speaking about the forthcoming event Foden’s Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: “We are once again looking forward to hosting the contest which is superbly run by Fiona Rolfe and stewarded on the day by Foden's members.

We will once again have a large variety of solo, duet and quartet classes as well as a new Veterans class. We are all delighted that Besson Musical Instruments will act as our main sponsor once again.”

We will once again have a large variety of solo, duet and quartet classes as well as a new Veterans class. We are all delighted that Besson Musical Instruments will act as our main sponsor once againFoden's Band

Entry forms

Entry forms and further information can be obtained at: http://www.fodensband.co.uk/youth-band/solo-contest/ or Fiona Rolfe at: fiona-rolfe@hotmail.co.uk

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


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


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd