*
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    


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


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd