*
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    


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


Welcome

Warm welcome for Lawson at Welsh champion

March 28 • It's a been a long journey to get to his first rehearsal for Kyle Lawson at Cory — and its straight into concert action too.


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 5 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd