*
banner

World Rankings — October update

Cory cement unassailable lead at the top of the rankings following their Nationals victory in London last weekend.

Cory Band
  Cory band celebrating their Nationals victory on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, London

Cory's magnificent contesting year continued at the Royal Albert Hall and the band's lead at the top of the Band Supplies — 4barsrest Rankings is now greater than any ever recorded.

With a 13th successive year at the top assured, it could actually take a few years for any band to get close to overtaking the Welsh giants, the most consistently successful in the history of brass band contesting.

In addition to the National Lower Section Finals held at Cheltenham recently, the other contests held since the last update were:

Exmouth Brass Band Festival — won by SW Comms;
Hardraw Scar — won by Leyburn;
Swiss Open — won by Brass Band 13 Etoiles;
NEDDC Entertainment Contest — won by Dronfield Genquip;
Fife Charities — won by Newtongrange;
Bolsover Festival of Brass — won by Skelmanthorpe;
SCABA Autumn Contest — won by Friary Brass;
Welsh League — won by Burry Port.

Expect plenty of movement over the next few weeks as national and significant entertainment contests take place around Europe, and we'll have the next update at the end of November.

Top 10 bands

1. Cory
2. Black Dyke
3. Brighouse and Rastrick
4. Valaisia Brass Band
5. Eikanger-Bjørsvik
6. Foden's
7. Paris Brass Band
8. Tredegar
9. Whitburn
10. Flowers

To view all rankings go to:
www.4barsrest.com/rankings

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


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.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd