*
banner

We do love to be beside the seaside...

The delegates of the International Brass Band Summer School are already enjoying the music, fun and brilliant weather in Swansea — with 'Great' news about their end of course concert too...

IBBSS
  The 'team' photo this year has been taken on the beach

Delegates from around the globe have already arrived in Swansea for the start of the International Brass Band Summer School.

Supported by the Geneva Group and led by Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, their arrival has coincided with a return of Welsh sunshine — so much so that the traditional 'team' photo this year was taken on the wide expanse of the beach just outside the University of Swansea Bay campus.

Concert boost

A further boost has also come with the news that the end of course concert will now be held at the University's Great Hall concert venue — which will be opened specially for the event on Friday evening at 7.00pm.

Course administrator, Alison Childs told 4BR: "We couldn't have asked for a better way to start. There is a great atmosphere with nearly 100 delegates from around the world.

Everyone is enjoying the fantastic facilities, the delegates are finding the repertoire really engaging, and the sun is shining!"

Everyone is enjoying the fantastic facilities, the delegates are finding the repertoire really engaging, and the sun is shining!Alison Childs

Great Hall

Alison added: "All this and the concert on Friday evening will now be at the Great Hall — a fantastic venue that hosts all the university's official ceremonies and a couple of years ago hosted the Welsh Regional Championships."

The Course Director is also looking forward to leading the band at the venue, as he added: "That latest news came as another great boost and our thanks go to the University for allowing us to use such a fantastic facility.

We've promised not to take the roof off with the sound of the band, but we will come close I'm sure!"

Concert details:


Gala Concert:
Friday 5th August at 7.00pm

Great Hall
Swansea University Bay Campus,
Fabian Way,
Skewen,
Swansea
SA1 8EP

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    


EBBA

Call for entries for 10th European Composers Competition

September 2 • EBBA announces entry details for its 10th European Composers Competition in Montreux.


Twcester

Get your motor running...

September 2 • Towcester Studio Band enjoyed a memorable weekend revving up the entertainment for a huge crowd at the popular CarFest event.


Robin Hood

Wright & Round: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Michael Kamen arr. Derek Broadbent)

September 2 • The chance to don the green tights and twang a great theme tune out in your next concert as Robin Hood returns again.


Gota Brass

Anglo-French lead at Swedish champions

September 2 • Ryan Watkins and Florent Didier will take the baton at Göta Brass for the coming contesting season.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd