*
banner

Howzat! Celebs give Brass Factor adjudication sporting sparkle

Yorkshire cricketer Ryan Sidebottom and former snooker star Willie Thorne will be two of the judges at the forthcoming Brass Factor entertainment contests.

Ryan Sidebottom
  Former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom will be one of the Brass Factor judges this year.

Celebrity guests will join a panel of expert judges this month at one of the UK's most popular brass band events.

The 'Brass Factor' contest see bands entertain eager audiences at The Engine Shed, Wetherby and The Picturedrome, Holmfirth on the 12th and 19th of November respectively.

Celebrity judges

The Wetherby event will see Emmerdale television soap star John Bowe and former international English cricketer Ryan Sidebottom joining well known conductors Simon Wood and Lee Skipsey on the adjudication panel.

Meanwhile, former professional snooker player, Willie Thorne will be in Holmfirth with BBC Radio Leeds' 'Yorkshire Brass' presenter, David Hoyle, conductor Martin Hall and well known musician Sandy Smith.

Taking the form of a talent contest, 'Brass Factor' will showcase six bands from across Yorkshire competing for the coveted title of 'Brass Factor Winner'.

I'm incredibly excited to welcome our celebrity judges. This year we have sold tickets faster than ever and the support has been phenomenalFounder, Alex Bray

Unusual twist

Founder, Alex Bray told 4BR: "I'm incredibly excited to welcome our celebrity judges. This year we have sold tickets faster than ever and the support has been phenomenal.

The aim of the event is to promote brass band culture and young talent — with an unusual twist where the audiences will also receive the opportunity to vote for their favourites."

More information

For more information about Brass Factor or to purchase tickets visit: http://brassfactor.com/

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    


New South Wales

Results: 2026 New South Wales State Championships

August 24 • Willoughby City Band regains the State title with section wins for Warringah Concert Brass, Newcastle PCYC Band, Waratah Brass Academy, Willoughby Youth Brass and Warringah Youth Brass.


NYBBGB

National Youth ambassadors find new audience in lost oasis

August 24 • The 40 strong Ambassador Band of the NYBBGB entertained the crowds in a lost oasis in the heart of London.


Bandamonium

Yorkshire gets ready for Bandamonium

August 24 • Eight bands will provide plenty of great entertainment for brass band and cycling fans next month as six venues host Bandamonium performances.


Skunkworks

Skunkworks adds to outreach initiatives

August 24 • New initiatives in place to help strengthen community banding in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd