*
banner

Thursday interview with Andy Straiton

We are joined by the Chairperson of the UniBrass Foundation to find out more about this weekend's UniBrass Championships at Sheffield University.

UniBrass
  The Championships take place at Sheffield University this weekend.

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

It's the Thursday interview on 4BR and we are joined by Andy Straiton, the Chairperson of the UniBrass Foundation.

We've managed to catch up with him ahead of the 2022 UniBrass Championships, which this year returns to Sheffield University on Saturday 5th February.

Exuberant event

21 University and Conservatoire bands and over 650 performers will gather for what promises to be an exuberant event as they compete to get their hands on the UniBrass Trophy and UniBrass Shield.

The championships are also being broadcast this year by BrassPass.tv — so wherever you are in the world you can cheer on your old alma-mater or simply sit back and enjoy the great entertainment.

To find out more:


https://www.unibrass.co.uk/the-contest

For more information about accessing the broadcast go to: www.brasspass.tv

Trophy Section:
Octagon Centre
Adjudicators: Andrea Price and Chris King


Manchester (10:40)
Huddersfield (11:15)
Warwick (11:50)
Nottingham (12:25)
Bristol (13:00)
Sheffield (14:30)
Birmingham (15:05)
Chichester (15:40)
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (16:15)
Salford (16:50)

There will be a 1 hour 10 minutes lunch break in between Bristol and Sheffield's performances.

Shield Section:
Drama Studio
Adjudicators: Jayne Murrill and Jack Capstaff


Lancaster (10:15)
Leeds (10:50)
Durham (11:25)
Cambridge (12:00)
Oxford (12:35)
Cardiff (14:05)
Southampton (14:40)
Royal Holloway (15:15)
Keele (15:50)
York (16:25)
King's College London (17:00)

There will be a 1 hour 10 minutes lunch break in between Oxford and Cardiff's performances.

Outdoor Performances:


Bands will be performing one piece under the concourse outside Sheffield Student Union, which anybody can enjoy for free, with hot drinks available from Coffee Revolution.

Manchester (11:05)
Leeds (11:15)
Huddersfield (11:40)
Durham (11:50)
Warwick (12:15)
Cambridge (12:25)
Nottingham (12:50)
Oxford (13:00)
Bristol (13:25)
Cardiff (14:30)
Sheffield (14:55)
Birmingham (15:30)
Royal Holloway (15:40)
Chichester (16:05)
Keele (16:15)
King's College London (17:25)

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    


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd