*
banner

McCann, Withington and Vertommen give the Wolf whistle in London

The adjudication panels for London and Cheltenham have been announced — with Phillip McCann, Allan Withington and Luc Vertommen the men to impress at the Royal Albert Hall.

Albert Hall
 

The adjudication panels for this year's finals of the National Championships of Great Britain have been released.

London trio

The diverse trio of judges responsible for choosing the winner at the Royal Albert Hall on 'Journey of the Lone Wolf' on October 8th will be Phillip McCann, Allan Withington and Luc Vertommen.

It will be the first time that former Carlton Main Frickley Colliery MD Phillip McCann will be in the box at London, although he has previously adjudicated at the National Finals held at Harrogate as well as internationally — most recently at the Swiss Championships in 2015 and European Championships in 2013.

Allan Withington meanwhile has notched up no less than seven National titles at the Royal Albert Hall as a conductor — the last in 2012, whilst the vastly experienced Belgian conductor Luc Vertommen last judged at the contest in 2011.

Highest calibre

Philip Morris, Managing Director, Kapitol Promotions, told 4BR: "As in previous years, the panel reflects our desire to appoint musicians of the highest calibre to adjudicate at the most prestigious brass band competition in the world.

Phillip, Allan and Luc are amongst the most well-known and experienced players and conductors in the brass band movement, and we are privileged to have them adjudicate at the Albert Hall this year."

The diverse trio of judges responsible for choosing the winner at the Royal Albert Hall on 'Journey of the Lone Wolf' on October 8th will be Phillip McCann, Allan Withington and Luc Vertommen4BR

Cheltenham

Meanwhile, the Cheltenham Finals weekend on the 17th/18th September will also see a mix of youth and experience, with John Maines and Alan Morrison taking on the adjudication responsibilities in the First Section.

Well known Scottish composer Alan Fernie and tuba virtuoso Steve Sykes will be the men to impress in the Second Section, whilst two star performers in David Childs and Richard Marshall will decide the fates of the bands in the Third Section. The Fourth Section rivals will have to catch the ears of Dr Robert Childs and Gary Davies, the MD of double National Champion Tylorstown Band.

Adjudication Panels:

Championship Section: Phillip McCann, Allan Withington, Luc Vertommen
First Section: John Maines, Alan Morrison
Second Section: Alan Fernie, Steve Sykes
Third Section: David Childs, Richard Marshall
Fourth Section: Dr Robert Childs, Gary Davies

More information:

http://nationalbrassbandchampionships.com/index.php?id=16

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    


BBCA

Halifax Minster to host Conducting hopefuls

May 26 • The Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA) will welcome 10 semi-finalists to its Conducting Competition at Halifax Minster.


Britten

Some brass band connections in top 25 Greatest British Composers

May 25 • A list that will surely create debate, even if a few of the 'greatest' according to the BBC Music Magazine have written for the brass band medium...


Golborne

Death of Les Webb

May 25 • The death has been announced of the popular teacher, player and conductor, Les Webb.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

May 25 • Lots more great music to enjoy in the sun from presenters Martin and Julie.


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 Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new 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 MD, Martyn Beecham.


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Front Row Cornet: . Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new 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 MD, Martyn Beecham..


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

May 25 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd