*
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    


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


The Dutch Youth Band

Dutch Youth gains national support until 2029

October 21 • The Dutch National Youth Brass Band will be supported by the NBK Foundation until 2029.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Northop Silver Band

October 22 • PERCUSSION PLAYER - We are a Championship Section competing band based in North East Wales. The band are friendly and ambitious, with an active contest and concert diary.


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd