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Welcome to the new look 4barsrest

The countdown has ended and we launch our new look 4BR website which will grow and grow...

Baby Feet
  Welcome the new arrival as 4BR enters another new era

Welcome to the brand new 4BR website — the latest updated design since our launch in 2001.

Fully responsive

It's been a little while in the making and we hope you enjoy it either on your PC, Tablet or smart phone devices, as it is now fully responsive to meet your needs, whether you wish to find out more about brass banding around the globe — from home, at work, on the band bus or even in the gym (OK — perhaps not the latter!).

Have a look around and tell us what you think — there will be some new features we will be bringing in to keep 4BR at the very forefront of reporting on what goes on right across the banding globe.

Very best

With it comes our promise to keep bringing you the very best news, articles, features, reviews, comments (long overdue we hear your say!) and opinions all aided by the brilliant photography of Ian Clowes at Goldy Solutions and great writing from our well respected critics, reporters and contributors.

The new arrival will be adding on a bit more weight over the next 24 hours as we check on the progress of our new born baby... so keep your eyes peeled4BR

British Open

Our first big live event will be at Symphony Hall for the British Open, where we will bring you a taste of all the action as it unfolds throughout the day.

The new arrival will be adding on a bit more weight over the next 24 hours as we check on the progress of our new born baby... so keep your eyes peeled.

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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Croy Silver Band

January 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

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