*
banner

Brass at the Guild opens entry doors

The popular early season contest at Preston's Guild Hall will be welcoming bands once again — with a choice of test-pieces, generous prizes funds and that extra qualification incentive to get on the British Open ladder...

bRASS AT THE gUILD hALL
  The popular contest provides bands with an early season kick-start

The popular 2019 Brass at the Guild contest is now looking to fill up its entry list.

The event held at Preston's Guild Hall on Sunday 27th January provides bands with an ideal opportunity to test their early season form — with the opportunity to perform either the 2019 Butlins Mineworkers test-pieces or the works to be used at the Regional Championships.

Brilliant kick-start

Supported by R. Banks & Son (Funerals Ltd) and its proprietor Brian Halliwell, last year's event provided a brilliant kick-start for the likes of City of Bradford, who also gained the all important invitation to compete at the British Open Spring Festival, Oldham Band (Lees) who went on to enjoy a memorable year, including winning the First Section National title.

With a generous prize fund (£400 to each section winner) and excellent organisation throughout the day, the event attracts bands from the north-west, Yorkshire, Midland, Wales and Scotland.

Youth contest

The entry list is also open for the British Open Youth contest which will be held at the venue on the same day, with bands battling for the prestigious title and £400 first prize by providing a 20 minute own-choice programme.

Get in touch

To get an entry form and find out more please go to: www.lanchashirecontests.com

You can also contact:
Frank Hodges
39, Broxton Avenue
Orrell
Wiga
WN58NP

Tel: 01942 212418

E-mail: frankhodges@btinternet.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    


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.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd