*
banner

Wire back in the banding blood

The popular Brass at the Guild event will move to a new venue in 2020 as it heads to the Parr Hall and Pyramid in Warrington.

Parr Hall
  Parr Hall will host the new Brass in the Wire competition

The popular Brass at the Guild contest will now become 'Brass in the Wire' following the decision to relocate the competition to a new venue in 2020.

Due to the uncertainty over the Preston Guild Hall, Lancashire Contests have moved quickly to secure the future of an event at Parr Hall and Pyramid in Warrington (WA1 1BL) on Sunday 26th January. It will also include the British Open Youth in the Wire contest.

The event continues to enjoy generous support from R. Banks & Son (Funerals Ltd) under proprietor Brian Halliwell.

Return

It also marks a return to the venue that hosted the contest in 1983 and 1984, with the event continuing to provide bands with an ideal opportunity to test their early season form.

Bands can choose either to perform the Regional test-pieces or the Butlins Mineworkers set-works.

New initiative

A new initiative in 2020 will see the Championship and First Section events combined — although separate pries will be given to the 'Highest Placed' bands in each section. Qualification to the British Open Spring Festival remains the same.

Bands entering the joint section will have a choice of using either the Championship or First Section Area or Butlins test-pieces.

It also marks a return to the venue that hosted the contest in 1983 and 1984, with the event continuing to provide bands with an ideal opportunity to test their early season form4BR

Further information

Further information and details about the event will be released in due course.

Any enquiries should be directed to frankhodges@btinternet.com
Tel: 01942 212418
Mobile: 0793056276

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    


Monster

Wright & Round: It ('s a Monster) arr. by Philip Harper

September 29 • An absolute unrestrained banger to add to a concert programme.


Death

Death of Shipston stalwart

September 29 • The death has been announced of one of Shipston Band's longest serving members.


Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • 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

September 28 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone . .


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd