*
banner

Bands and stars begin to align for British Open

There are plenty of early opportunities to listen to how the bands are navigating their way through the challenge of Thierry Deleruyelle's 'Sand and Stars'.

Sand and stars
  Bands are starting to put their final preparations in place ahead of the 169th British Open

Several British Open contenders have announced details of their 'Sand and Stars' open rehearsals ahead of their trip to Birmingham.

Sunday:

Desford Colliery under conductor Allan Withington can be heard at the Britannia Suite of Bosworth Hall Hotel (CV13 OLP) at 11.00am — 2.00pm on Sunday 3rd September.

WFEL Fairey Band led by Phil Chalk will be showcasing their preparations on Sunday 3rd September at Glossop Band Club (SK13 8LP) at 2.00pm.

Monday:

Hepworth will preview their trip to the 'Sand & Stars' on Monday 4th September at Hade Edge Band room at 7.30pm (HD9 2AQ).

Tuesday:

Flowers Band and Paul Holland will host its open rehearsal at Severn Vale School, Gloucester (GL2 4PR) on Tuesday 5th September at 8.00pm prompt.

Swiss contenders Valaisia and conductor Arsene Duc will be showcasing their 'Sand & Stars' on Tuesday 5th September at 8.00pm at Martelles Multipurpose Hall in Chermignon d'en. Bas.

Wednesday:

The reigning British Open Champion, Brighouse & Rastrick under Prof David King will hold their open rehearsal at Brighouse Central Methodist Church on Wednesday 6th September — starting bang on 8.00pm.

Black Dyke Band and Prof Nicholas Childs will showcase their 'Sand & Stars' preparations at Morley Town Hall at 8.00pm on Wednesday 6th September. Admission is free and doors open at 7.30pm.

Scottish challengers the cooperation band will hold their open rehearsal led by conductor David Morton at 7.30pm at Clydebank Salvation Army Hall, Sylvania Way, Clydebank (G81 1EA).

Thursday:

The National champion Foden's will preview their preparations under Russell Gray at Sandbach School Theatre on Thursday 7th September. Enry is free and starts promptly at 7.30pm.

Tredegar will also be opening their doors on Thursday 7th September at their home at Gelli Road, Tredegar at 7.45pm prompt.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band will also be holding their open rehearsal on Thursday 7th September at 7.15pm at St. Luke's Church in Grimethorpe (S72 7FN) under the direction of Michael Bach.

The event is also being live-streamed broadcast at: www.Wobplay.com

Tickets:

British Open Championship
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/169th-british-open-brass-band-championships

National Youth Brass Band
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/national-youth-brass-band-of-great-britain-childrens-band-pre-gala-concert-performance

Brass Band Gala Concert
Cory & Black Dyke Bands
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/brass-gala-2023-featuring-cory-band-black-dyke-and-services-for-education-brass-ensembles

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

Future Europeans to head to Belgium and Denmark

November 9 • Antwerp and Copenhagen have been confirmed as the hosts cities for the 2029 and 2030 European Championships.


Greighallen

World of Brass to live-broadcast Norwegian National Championships

November 8 • The action from the 2027 Norwegian National Championships will be live-streamed by World of Brass on their wobplay.com media platform.


swbba

Results: 2026 SWBBA Contest

November 8 • Tongwynlais Temperance claims the cross border honours in Torquay with section wins for Weston Brass, St. Pinnock, Pendennis Brass, St. Austell Youth and Hatherleigh Training.


SBBBa

Result: 2026 SBBBA Borders Entertainment Contest

November 8 • Jedforest Instrumental claim the honours in Galashiels.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd