*
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    


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Doodles

Spring upgrade from Doodles

April 8 • The bespoke mouthpiece business is offering a Spring custom upgrade...


Banstand

Radio: Bandstand

April 8 • More brass band music to enjoy from Lucas Burns in Australia with one work about a dog and a bomb...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd