*
banner

Sky Arts to broadcast Battle of the Brass Bands series

The eagerly awaited four part documentary series will be aired on Sky Arts this August.

Cory
  The series will follow the competitive action at four iconic brass band events

The Sky Arts television broadcaster has announced that their new four part documentary series, 'Battle of the Brass Bands' will be aired from 20th August.

Made by the award-winning production company Twofour on behalf of Sky Arts, it will showcase the competitive talents of some of the UKs most famous bands as they compete against each other at the Whit Friday, British Open, National Final and Brass in Concert Championships.

Featured bands include Cory, Brighouse & Rastrick, Fairey, Foden's and Black Dyke as well as others such as Fountain City from the USA

Available

This new series will air from 20th August 2019 on Sky Arts, the UK's only TV channel dedicated to arts, music and culture, and will also be available for streaming on NOW TV.

Speaking about series, Phil Edgar-Jones Director of Sky Arts said: "We are delighted to be presenting 'Battle of the Brass Bands' on Sky Arts.

Brass Bands are one of the longest running music traditions in British history and we are looking forward to celebrating and highlighting the role they play in our cultural landscape, and to display the high level of skill and dedication that these musicians give to their art."

The competition pieces feature some of the finest and technically challenging music I've ever heard, presented in some of Britain's most prestigious and iconic venuesNeil Edwards

Absolute revelation

Twofour's Neil Edwards, Head of their Specialist Factual Programming and Series Director added: "Making these films was a total privilege and an absolute revelation.

These are amateur musicians playing to an Olympic standard. The competition pieces feature some of the finest and technically challenging music I've ever heard, presented in some of Britain's most prestigious and iconic venues."

Unique

He added: "I challenge anyone to experience the thrill of these competitions and not be converted into a brass fan for the rest of their lives. I'm delighted that Sky Arts have chosen to highlight this talented, fiercely competitive, frighteningly committed and completely unique community of British musicians."

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    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. 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.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd