*
banner

Entry boost for SWBBA Contest

There will be 42 performances to enjoy at the 77th SWBBA Championships in Torquay in November.

swbba
  The Riviera Centre in Torquay will host the event.

The South West Brass Band Association (SWBBA) has announced details of its 77th Annual Championships, which will take place on Saturday, 1st November at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.

This year's event marks a significant milestone, with a record number of entries — a real post-Covid recovery boost. There will be 42 performances across six sections, including 17 bands in the Open Section and three entries in the Training Band Section.

All will be of own-choice repertoire to offer judge and audience a wide variety of music to consider and enjoy.

Tremendous response

SWBBA spokesperson John Woods told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome everyone to the Riviera International Centre once again. The response has been tremendous, with a record entry that far surpasses the support we experienced before the pandemic.

This is such a positive bounce back and we even received additional entry requests beyond the closing date, which we regrettably had to decline due to time constraints."

The event will be adjudicated the experienced duo of David Hirst and Nicholas Garman.

Schedule:

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ
First Performance: 8:45 am (Fourth Section)
Tickets: Available on the day (cash or card)

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd