*
banner

Hybrid green light for UniBrass

An innovative solution has been found to ensure the UniBrass Championships can go ahead this weekend — and you can enjoy it in a hybrid way too...

UniBrass
  A hybrid solution has made the event possible this year

The amended format UniBrass 2021 Championships will be held at Sheffield University on Saturday 26th June.

Due to the ongoing effects of Covid-19 11 bands will compete, either live or virtually across two sections — the first 'hybrid' approach to any brass band competition in the world.

Virtual and live

Virtual entries have been recorded in advance in one take — with performances verified on a video call with a member of the committee. These will be adjudicated in advance, with the outcomes given during the results ceremony. Live bands will compete as normal.

This year's adjudicators are Adam Cooke, Musical Director of the Fairey Band and Alexandra Kenyon the highly respected player and educator.

Attending

For those wishing to attend with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols and guidance Sheffield Students' Union is situated just off the A57, on Western Bank (S102TG).

There is car parking nearby at Q-Park Durham Road (S10 2JA) and the area accessible via bus (120, 51, 52, 52A) and tram (Yellow line — University Tram Stop).

The contest is free to attend and is not ticketed, and whilst there should be space for everyone, this is not guaranteed.

Audience members will need to go through a screening process on arrival, so it is recommended that people arrive earlier than the band you want to see.

Please be aware though that Covid-19 protocols will be in place — including the need for those wishing to attend to have a two negative lateral flow tests in the week prior to the contest, and evidence of a negative test within 48 hours of the contest will be required for admittance.

Streamed

The contest will be live streamed into the Students Union Bar, where people can also sit and through Brasspass.tv at a charge of £2.00.

The contest starts at 11.00am and will end around 6.00pm.

Draw:

The draw (approx timings):

11.00: Huddersfield
11.45: Leeds
12.30: Warwick
1.15: York
2.00: Nottingham
2.45: Virtual Bands

Lunch Break

3.20: Sheffield

4.05: Cambridge
4.50: Durham

5.30: Results

Live Stream

A live stream will be provided by BrassPass.tv at the cost of £2 for the full day.

Please check terms and conditions.

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    


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


unibrass

UniBrass CompComp26 reveals shortlist

December 30 • Four young composers will look to be crowned 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition winner.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 5 & 6

December 30 • Jo Behan meets up with Idun Carling and the female players of Desford Colliery Band for the final two episodes of her podcast series for 2025.


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


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd