*
banner

Huge response SWBBA solo and quartet event

150 competitors from across the banding world have been out to impress adjudicator Steve Sykes — with the results to be announced later this month.

SWBBA
  The event has been a huge success for the Association

The South West Brass Band Association has told 4BR that they have been delighted at the entry repose for their inaugural Online Solo & Quartet Contest.

150 competitors from across the UK and abroad have provided adjudicator Steve Sykes with over 180 performances, with the results to be announced over the evenings of the 21st, 22nd & 23rd May.

Wonderful entry

Speaking to 4BR, SWBBA Vice-Chairman, John Woods, said: "Not surprisingly, due to the wonderful entry we have had to delay our 'Results Showcase' as the evaluation process took longer than originally envisaged.

We will announce the results on Facebook and our grateful thanks go to adjudicator Steve Sykes for the mammoth task of deciding the winners and also to Trevada Music for so generously sponsoring the prizes."

John also confirmed that due to the fantastic response with entries in the Slow Melody Under 12 class, it has been divided into two separate categories — 9 years and under, and 10-12 years.

150 competitors from across the UK and abroad have provided adjudicator Steve Sykes with over 180 performances, with the results to be announced over the evenings of the 21st, 22nd & 23rd May4BR

Thanks

John added: "We would like to thank everyone, especially parents, family and teachers in encouraging young players to record performances and enter — the response has been outstanding. Without them this event could not have taken place."

The three Showcases will be available to view on SWBBA YouTube channel shortly after the weekend.

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd