*
banner

BBLNI finalists get ready to take their bow

The finalists in the Brass Band League of Northern Ireland Solo Competition will be showcasing their talents over the next two weekends.

BBLNI
  The competition attracted a fantastic line-up of online solo talent

The Brass Band League in Northern Ireland has been running its popular annual Solo Competition as an online event this year.

They have once again gained a superb response from competitors — with 54 entries across four Youth and two Senior Classes.

High standard

Youth Adjudicator Dorothy Orr has been hard at work deciding prize winners for the '10 and under', '12 and under', '15 and under', and '17 and under' classes, and has already commented on the extremely high standard.

Youth performances will feature in two mini concerts on the BBLNI Youtube channel on Saturday 17th April at noon and 1.00pm, with the winners being announced at 2pm.

Tough job

Senior Adjudicator Gary Curtin has also had a tough job shortlisting 34 excellent performances down to 10 finalists across the Senior Slow Melody and Technical Classes.

The live performances are currently being arranged, after which Gary will once again adjudicate to decide the prize winners.

Senior finalist performances will be screened throughout the day on Saturday 24th April with prize winners announced at 8.00pm.

Watch now

However, all Senior performances are currently available on the new Brass Band League Youtube Channel, with Youth Classes going live on Saturday 17th.

Search for Brass Band League on YouTube or go to the website W: www.brassbandleague.org

Finalists:
Slow Melody Class:


Nathan Moore (1st Old Boys Band)
Kelly Kaya (Third Carrickfergus Silver Band)
Claire Hueston (Third Carrickfergus Silver Band)
Kevin Teers (Strabane Brass Band)
Stephen Crooks (Roughan Silver Band)

18+ Technical Class:


Nathan Moore (1st Old Boys Band)
Kelly Kaya (Third Carrickfergus Silver Band)
Claire Hueston (Third Carrickfergus Silver Band)
Kevin Teers (Strabane Brass Band)
Jackie Moore (Third Carrickfergus Silver Band)

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    


Mike Kilroy

Kilroy steps back from BBE role to follow health treatment

September 7 • Mike Kilroy will take a temporary step down as Chairperson of Brass Bands England to undergo treatment for prostate cancer.


Music of the Spheres

Check out the Spheres before Symphony Hall

September 7 • The countdown to the British Open sees the competing bands previewing their final preparations on 'Music of the Spheres' — so why not pop along and see how they are getting on.


Money

British Open Countdown: T minus 5

September 7 • Glory and cash. One is priceless, the other pays the bills... but how much are they worth?


Murray Greig

Greig's to deliver in Leicester for free

September 7 • There is a free day of brass for young players to enjoy under the expert tuition of Murray Grieg this weekend — so make sure you sign up to enjoy.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd