*
banner

Northumberland Festival

Northumberland Festival of Brass to take place this weekend.

 

The Northumberland Brass Band Association has announced details of their Annual Festival of Brass to be held on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April in Newbiggin Leisure Centre.

The festival is once again organized in collaboration with the Wansbeck Music Festival.

Saturday 26th April will see various classes for individuals’ duets and small ensembles and youth brass bands.

Highlight

The highlight of the day adjudicated by Brian Buckley will see the award of the prestigious James Shepherd performance prize. Once again a cash award in the form of a bursary will be awarded to the winner of this class open to any brass instrumentalist under the age of 21 years.

Once again a strong entry of over 50 entrants from all over the north will perform in Newbiggin sports and community centre Wansbeck suite.

The success of last year’s event and its high profile visitors provided significant local interest and we hope bands will continue to support our event over the whole weekendSecretary Tony Griffiths

Open Contest

Sunday 27th Newbiggin will again play host to our open brass band contest. Ten Bands from around the north will perform an own choice test piece again adjudicated by Brain Buckley.

Prizes will be awarded to overall winners and bands placed highest in their respective sections.

Tony Griffiths, Secretary of the Association told 4BR: "The success of last year’s event and its high profile visitors provided significant local interest and we hope bands will continue to support our event over the whole weekend."

Further information

Further information is available from the Association either by e-mail, tonygriffithsnb@yahoo.co.uk or nbbaemail@yahoo.co.uk or by phone 01670 814595

All events take place in Newbiggin sports and Community Centre, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. Saturday's event will commence at 09-30am. Sunday will begin at 12.00 midday. Tickets are available from the venue.

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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


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


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd