*
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    


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


Mallinson

Hammonds sign NYBBGB flugel Mallinson

January 10 • The Hammonds Band has signed Noah Mallinson as their new flugel horn player.


John Wallace CBE

John Wallace becomes new Honorary Vice President at coop

January 10 • The Brass in Concert champion has spoken of its pride that John Wallace CBE has become its new Honorary Vice President.


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


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.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd