*
banner

Give yourselves time to enjoy the reception at Symphony Hall

Make sure you give yourselves time to get to Symphony Hall for the 10.30am start — and to pick up your souvenir programmes and study scores...

Symphony Hall
  Souvenir programmes and study scores will be available at the reception desk on the man concourse.

Patrons are reminded to ensure they give themselves plenty of extra time to get into the heart of Birmingham and into Symphony Hall this weekend for the 167th British Open Championship.

The contest itself will start promptly at 10.30am when the first of the 18 bands take to the stage.

Programmes and study scores

Due to the refurbishment of the surrounding area outside Symphony Hall and inside the complex itself, it is advisable to give yourself extra time to ensure you can have any bags checked by hall security, as well as pick up souvenir programmes and scores.

They will be available from the central information desk on the main concourse (above) — so make your way there and you will be able pick them up without a problem.

They will be available from the central information desk on the main concourse (above) — so make your way there and you will be able pick them up without a problem4BR

Bars open

Contrary to misinformed information there will also be bar facilities on each level of Symphony Hall.

Bar facilities will be open across three levels of the foyer for audiences to order drinks throughout the event.

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    


Vanhoorne

Final NZ bow for Vanhoorne

January 16 • The inspirational Belgian conductor and cornet player will return home in April this year after enjoying a six year tenure of success in New Zealand.


Tredegar

Tredegar reunites for RNCM Festival

January 16 • The Welsh champion has welcomed a new signing as well as an old friend for their forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival performance.


CalderPips

No hush hush approach for CalderPips new mutes

January 16 • The new mutes from the CalderPips team have already made a noise with the chatter from eager customers.


Fodens Percussion

Foden's make percussion link with Adams

January 16 • The Foden's percussion team with make an Adams sound in the future after the band enter into a partnership link with leading manufacturer.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd