*
banner

IBBSS Course cancelled

The popular International Brass Band Summer School Course in Swansea has been cancelled due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns.

IBSS
  The course attracts delegates from around the banding globe to Swansea each year

4BR has been informed that due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns, the popular International Brass Band Summer School led by Prof Nicholas Childs has been cancelled.

The course, which has attracted hundreds of delegates from across the globe to Swansea University in Wales was due to have taken place from 1st-7th August.

It has been working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure that the health and safety of delegates was foremost in their preparations, but the most recent information and guidance, especially with international logistics has meant that it would have been impossible to hold the event under current circumstances.

Disappointing

Course Director Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "This is immensely disappointing for everyone involved, especially for the delegates who enjoy such a wonderful time at the course each year.

However, with the Covid-19 safety of everyone paramount, we have listened and acted upon the latest guidance from the correct sources, and although disappointed to make the decision we know it is also the right one to take.

Return

He added: "We are determined however to ensure that we will return in 2022 bigger and better and able to offer the type of musical experience that has made the International Brass Band Summer School into the leading event of its kind in the banding world.

We also intend to hold a virtual course that will be free to the delegates who have already registered in 2021 to say thank you for their continued support."

We also intend to hold a virtual course that will be free to the delegates who have already registered in 2021 to say thank you for their continued supportProf Nicholas Childs

2022

The 2022 IBBSS course will be held from Sunday 31st July — 6th August.

For any details and enquiries about the cancellation for the 2021 course, the virtual course and the 2022 course, please contact Alison Childs at: alison4horn@btinternet.com

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    


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


fUSION

Brass Fluxus — where brass banding meets avant-garde art

January 8 • Regent Brass joins an artistic fusion of Spike Jones, gags, games, Vaudeville, John Cage and Marcel Duchamp.


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd