*
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    


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Titles go to Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Andy Wareham

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd