*
banner

Enjoy the beat in Eccles today

The semi-final and final of the Brass Band Conductors' Association Conducting Competition takes place in Eccles today — so why not go along and enjoy the music making.

bbca
  The final takes place at Eccles Town Hall this evening

The final of the Brass Band Conductors' Association Conducting Competition takes place in Eccles later today (Saturday 18th June).

Throughout the day the twelve semi-finalists will be assessed by the adjudication panel of Paul Hindmarsh and Dr David Thornton as they work on either 'Contest Music' by Wilfred Heaton or 'Essence of Time' by Peter Graham with the Hammonds Band.

Open to the public

The recent is open to the public at Eccles Town Hall with the first conductor taking to the rostrum at 11.00am.

Six conductors will go through to the public final later in the evening where they will lead Eccles Brough Band in concert (7.30pm).

This will also be held at Eccles Town Hall with the prizes supported by Yamaha announced around 9.15pm.

Global attraction

Speaking about the day, BBCA Chairperson James Holt commented: "It's fantastic that our competition is returning, and we were delighted to get a high-class field of entrants from around the globe.

I wish luck to the 12 that have got through. This is a really good opportunity for conductors to work with outstanding bands and get feedback from professionals in their field and I am sure it will be a great day for those involved."

The finalists:


Neil Brownless; Andrea Durante; Colum O'Shea; Ian Walshaw; Stuart Black; Kieron Howe; Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale; Alan Gifford; Davide Casafina; Carl-Emil Björklund; Boris Oppliger and Jack Capstaff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV3XBRffWOU

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    


Geo Moren

Death of Geo Pierre Moren

February 9 • The death has been announced of one of the most influential and respected figures in the Swiss and European banding movements.


Torquay

Judges confirmed for West of England Area Championships

February 9 • The judges who will make the all important decisions in Torquay have been announced.


Cross

Death of Andrew Hirst

February 9 • The young father passed away following illness.


Leeds Best of Brass

Grimethorpe set for Pudsey Valentine's appearance

February 9 • The unique brand of Grimethorpe brass band entertainment will be heard in Pudsey on Valentine's Day.


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


Chinnor Silver

February 10 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday(16th) at 11 am.. We welcome players of all abilities who would like a relaxed friendly rehearsal.. Playing with us doesn't impact your No 1 band its just an extra blow with coffee and cake


Phoenix Band Wakefield

February 8 • Required: B Flat and E Flat Bass players.. A friendly, welcoming, non competing community band in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. We enjoy entertaining and making music. Our MD is Mark Bray. Rehearsals on Fridays 7 - 8.30 at Manygates Centre, Wakefield,WF2 7DQ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. 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.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd