*
banner

Great Northern bands announced

Philip Biggs has announced the bands that will participate at this year's Great Northern Brass Arts Festival in September.

bridgewater hall
 

The details of the bands that will appear at this year's Great Northern Brass Arts Festival at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Saturday 6th September have been announced.

Wingates return

Following their debut appearance at the festival in 2006, the Wingates Band will make a welcome return and they will be on stage at 12 noon.

Childrens debut

In what is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the day, the concert at 2.15pm will be given by the National Childrens Band of Great Britain. Since it's formation, the NCBGB has made a huge impression on anyone who has seen them at their concerts at the end of their summer courses and their appearance in Manchester is one not to be missed.

Following the NCBGB's appearance, the now traditional appearance of over 100 players from Wardle Juniors, Healey and Smithy Bridge and St James Primary School Bands will take place.

At 4.15pm, the Fairey Band, who have been regular attendees at the Festival will make an appearance.

Big three for Gala

The traditional Gala Concert at 7.15pm will once again showcase three of the best bands in the busines: Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and the Fodens (Richardson) Band.

Soloists and programmes to be announced

A key ingredient of the day is the featured soloists that will appear will the respective bands during the day. Details of the soloists that will perform with the bands and the music to be played by all the participants will be anmnounced at a later date.

Festival line up

Once again the festival will be supported by Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd, Besson Musical Instruments, Buffet Crampon and Yamaha Kemble Music (UK).

The line up of bands to appear is:

12 Noon: Wingates Band

2.15pm: National Childrens Band of Great Britain followed by Wardle Juniors, Healey and Smithy Bridge and St James Primary School Bands

4.15pm: Fairey Band

7.15pm: The Gala Concert featuring, Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Fodens (Richardson Bands).

Tickets available

Tickets for each individual concert are available in addition to an all inclusive daytime ticket or an all daytime and Gala Concert ticket from the Bridgewater Hall Box office — 0161 907 9000 or email box@bridgewater-hall.co.uk

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    


eikanger

Results: 2026 Norwegian National Championships

February 7 • Eikanger Bjorsvik reclaims the Norwegian National title in Bergen as section victories go to Rong Brass, Agder Brass, Evanger Musikklag, Skeie Brass and Langhus Brass.


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd