*
banner

Hybrid approach offers new direction for 2021 UniBrass Championships

An inventive approach ensures competition and participation is on offer by the organisers of the 2021 UniBrass Championships in Sheffield.

UniBrass 2021
  The new approach will see bands compete both live and virtually at the event

The UniBrass Foundation has announced that its 2021 UniBrass Contest will take place on Saturday 26th June at the University of Sheffield.

It will however be an event of 'firsts', with significant new presentational initiatives.

Hybrid contest

Rescheduled from February, it will be the first to be held outdoors — at the University of Sheffield's Students' Union Concourse. It will also be a hybrid contest, with both live and virtual entries split across the two sections.

University bands from across the UK will compete in the entertainment contest in a bid to be named 2021 champions, with some bands travelling to Sheffield to compete in person, and others submitting independently verified recorded performances to allow for maximum participation following Covid restrictions.

The contest will be free and un-ticketed for audiences, as well as live-streamed as in previous years to allow as many people as possible to enjoy a fantastic day of music making,

Exciting event

Voirrey Baker, Chair of the Organising Committee for 2021, said: "After what has probably been the toughest year for university students, we are delighted to finally present the 2021 UniBrass contest at the end of June, giving bands and audiences alike an exciting event to look forward to after so long without!

Nothing can quite match the thrill of real-life competition, so we are pleased to welcome live performances from bands both in-person and virtually."

Nothing can quite match the thrill of real-life competition, so we are pleased to welcome live performances from bands both in-person and virtuallyVoirrey Baker, Chair of the Organising Committee

Further information

Registration for bands has recently closed. Order of play, our adjudicators, and more information for participants and audience members will be announced very soon.

Keep an eye on UniBrass' social media (@UniBrass) for all contest updates.

For more information visit: www.unibrass.co.uk/the-contest

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    


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • There are victories for and Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk on the first day of competition in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Northop Silver Band

October 22 • PERCUSSION PLAYER - We are a Championship Section competing band based in North East Wales. The band are friendly and ambitious, with an active contest and concert diary.


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd