*
banner

Revival success for RNCM Festival

The showcase concert event in Manchester provided thrilling music making for those present — and it will soon be available to listeners across the world on the Wobplay.com platform too.

RNCM
  The festival was a success right from start to finish...

Live brass band music making in the UK was given a huge boost of collective confidence after a rejuvenated weekend of concerts at the Royal Northern College of Music Brass Band Festival in Manchester.

Appropriately, the themes of the 2022 Festival were based on revivals and anniversaries of composers and repertoire.

Performances

Performances by the RNCM Brass Band, Tredegar and Black Dyke on Saturday were followed on the Sunday by Grimethorpe Colliery, WFEL Fairey and Brighouse & Rastrick.

Additional features were provided by the Junior RNCM Brass Band, a special Young Musicians' Showcase, the John Golland Award Final and discussions by Brass Bands England and Paul Hindmarsh in conversation with composers Edward Gregson and Philip Wilby.

Simply wonderful

Few present at the conclusion of Brighouse & Rastrick's thrilling concert on Sunday evening would have disagreed with RNCM Principal Linda Merrick's observation that it was "simply wonderful"to welcome both performers and audiences alike to enjoy live performances once more.

"It's the start of something almost new,"she said. "My thanks go to the bands and performers as well as you the audience for supporting us. It's been simply wonderful to have you all back with us."

Linda Merrick also took the opportunity to thank her own staff, who courteously welcomed and advised listeners as they arrived for the weekend of Covid-19 guidelines, as well as Artistic Director Paul Hindmarsh, whose curation of the festival once again mixed the old and new with classics and exciting opportunities with a touch of inspired alchemy.

Huge pleasure

Speaking to 4BR after the conclusion of the event he said: "I can't stop smiling. This has given me huge pleasure — and I also hope — the audiences too.

The performers were magnificent, and it was so heartening to be hear people speak about the boost it has given them personally to be able to come and listen to bands in concert."

Full reviews of each of the performances will appear on 4BR whilst subscribers to the Wobplay.com recording platform will also be able to enjoy each of the concerts in full4BR

Reviews and broadcasts

Full reviews of each of the performances will appear on 4BR whilst subscribers to the Wobplay.com recording platform will also be able to enjoy each of the concerts in full. Details will be released in the next few days.

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd