*
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    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd