*
banner

Good turn out for Torquay

27 bands will take to the stage for the annual SWBBA Championships in Torquay next month.

Torquay
  The contest takes place at the Riviera Centre in Torquay

The 76th Annual Championships promoted by the South West Brass Band Association (SWBBA) will take place at the Riviera International Centre Torquay on 2nd November.

Steve Pritchard Jones will adjudicate the 27 bands, with John Woods, Vice Chairperson of SWBBA telling 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome everyone to Torquay once again following the success of last year's event."

He added: "An entry of 14 bands in the Open section is an excellent outcome and we are looking forward to a wide range of music chosen across the six sections, especially the Training Section where we welcome three bands this year."

Congratulations

SWBBA also offered it congratulations to St Austell Band on its recent National title success in Cheltenham, with the band showcasing the next generation of its home made talent in the Youth Section.

SWBBA President Leonard Adams will present the trophies on the day.

Open Section:

Chalford
City of Cardiff Melingriffith (M1)
Filton Concert Brass
Forest of Dean Brass
Glastonbury Brass
Helston Town
Hyde Band
Lanner & District Silver
Lympstone Band
Plymouth City Brass
Porthleven Town
Roche Brass
Sidmouth Town
Weston Brass

Section Two:

Markham & District
Porthleven Town
South Molton Town

Section Three:

Exeter Railway Band
Pendennis Brass
Saltash Town
South Molton Town

Section Four:

Bay Brass
Plymouth City Brass Academy

Youth:

St Austell Youth

Training Section:

Launceston Training
Plymouth City Brass Academy
Porthleven Training

Tickets:


General tickets will be available on the contest day (cash or card) and refreshment and trade stands available in the Arena. Doors open at 9.00am with first scheduled performance in Section 4 commencing at 9.30am.

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    


bLACK dYJE

Media spotlight on Black Dyke Band ahead of Proms return

July 17 • The national media has certainly been interested in Black Dyke Band's return to the BBC Proms for the first time since 2007.


Paul Holland

Holland takes temporary lead at Elgar International Brass Band Summer School

July 17 • Flowers MD, Paul Holland will take the main reins at the 2027 Summer School as Philip Harper takes a temporary break for NYBBGB duties.


Dobcross Training

Dobcross Youth Training Band grab attention at Symphony Hall

July 17 • The young players of Dobcross Youth Training Band recently wowed the audience and music mentors at Symphony Hall in Birmingham


Tonga

Tongan celebration of music, culture and friendship

July 17 • The Music for Peace Festival in Tonga has been a demonstration of the growing strength of brass banding in the Kingdom.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Chinnor Silver

July 14 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on MONDAY 20th at 11 am in our bandroom.. We would welcome players of all ages and abilities to join us for a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. Of course there is tea and cake !!!. And you can even choose a piece to play


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd