*
banner

Scottish Festival of Brass open and challenging for take off

Perth Concert Hall will host the Scottish Open and Band Supplies Challenge contests later this year — and the Scottish Brass Band Association is looking for even more entries.

pERTH
  Perth Concert Hall will host the Scottish Festival of Brass

4BR has been informed that preparations are well underway for this year's Scottish Festival of Brass.

Entry forms are available for bands wishing to participate in the Scottish Open and Band Supplies Challenge contests on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November respectively at the Perth Concert Hall.

Steven Mead and Paul Holland will be adjudicating both competitions.

Inclusive

The Scottish Brass Band Association has confirmed that whilst there is no specific Youth Festival event this year, it is hoped to organise a similar occasion at a later date.

However, young people will still be actively involved over what they hope will be a fully inclusive Festival weekend, as groups and bands will be invited to perform and be included in workshops and masterclasses grant- funded by Creative Scotland.

It is also planned to provide free tickets to the contests for youth players.

Entry forms

Scottish Open entry forms are available at:
https://www.sbba.org.uk/events?event=166

Band Supplies Challenge entry forms are available at: https://www.sbba.org.uk/events?event=164

A two day Festival now allows us to deliver an inclusive, financially viable event, being mindful of the position bands will find themselves in come NovemberSBBA

Financially viable

SBBA President Carrie Boax told 4BR: "We are delighted with the plans for live music making at this year's Scottish Festival of Brass, especially after we had to cancel the event last year because of Covid-19.

A two day Festival now allows us to deliver an inclusive, financially viable event, being mindful of the position bands will find themselves in come November."

Carrie added: "Although our sponsorship of the Scottish Open has been substantially reduced this year which has unfortunately resulted in less prize money being on offer.

However, we hope a greater motivation to participate in the event will be the opportunity to return to some form of normality, play live music and catch up with old friends."

She concluded: "Once again, I am grateful to our band family for their continued support and understanding of our position as we aim to return to banding and host a successful event that all musicians can enjoy."

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


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


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd