*
banner

Spring Festival work alert

Spring Festival bands need to keep guidance at hand as ongoing renovation work may cause some amendments to the venues at the Winter Gardens in May.

Winter Gardens
  There is extensive renovation work currently taking place at the Winter Gardens

The 2018 British Open Spring Festival organisers have been asked by the management team of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool to make competing bands aware that depending on the extent of ongoing renovation work, the Spanish Hall venue may not be able to be used this year.

Although it is understood that at present no change is being contemplated, if as a result of ongoing work the Spanish Hall cannot be used, an alternative venue within the complex will be utilised with dressing room and entrance facilities changed accordingly.

Monitored

The work will be monitored and bands will be advised as soon as possible to any changes that may be implemented.

A British Open spokesperson told 4BR: "We apologise for any concern, but we wish to ensure that the venues utilised are to the required standards for the 98th Spring Festival. The resultant improvements will benefit our future contests with enhanced facilities available as a result of this investment."

Meanwhile, the Winter Gardens added: "We are pleased to announce that the Blackpool Winter Gardens has started its multi-million pound planned development, increasing the size of the convention facilities with an exciting new convention space.

We are sure you will understand that some of our venues may look slightly different whilst the essential work is carried out, and we are looking forward to bringing you bigger and better events in the future."

The work will be monitored and bands will be advised as soon as possible to any changes that may be implemented4BR

Guidance notes

The guidance notes for all competing bands in all three Spring Festival contests is now available on the British Open website in addition to them being sent directly.

Bands should contact Contest Controller, Frank Hodges, if they require any further information:

Tel. 01942 212418, 07930562768, frankhodges@btinternet.com

Further information on the Spring Festival can be found at the following link:

http: www.thebritishopen.net/

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    


whit friday

Report & Results: 2025 Christmas Whit Friday

December 13 • Diggle and Dobcross Youth get an early Christmas prezzie contest bonus on a night of festive fun in Delph.


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Epping Forest Band

December 14 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • 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.


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd