News / 2026
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Scottish banding battles for success
June 01, 2026
A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.
Death of David Banwell
June 01, 2026
The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.
Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4
May 31, 2026
The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music
Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday
May 31, 2026
The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.
New band formed after Festival Brass spilt
May 30, 2026
Antwerp Brass has been formed after a major split from former Belgian champion Festival Brass after their European Championship appearance in Linz — led by Guy Audenaert and Harmen Vanhoorne.
Conductors enjoy Gray and Black inspiration
May 30, 2026
Russell Gray and Stuart Black take the lead on the Scotsman's latest conducting course.
Clark completes musical journey at Whitburn
May 30, 2026
Young tenor horn star Tyler Clark is the latest success story of the Whitburn Player Pathway Programme.
Glew secures top seat at Freckleton
May 30, 2026
One of the North West banding's emerging talents has been appointed principal cornet at Freckleton Band.
Fancy a cruise with a difference?
May 30, 2026
You can book early for the 2027 Brass Cruise — and you can bring your instrument too.
Double top for Williams at Urdd
May 30, 2026
Conductor Dylan Williams led Ysgol Bontnewydd and Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen to repeat success at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Anglesey.
Whit Friday results
May 30, 2026
The official results will be published on 4BR as soon as they are officially released by the organisers, as bands are requested to show respect and patience to contest providers.
New generation starts to shine for NYBBGB
May 29, 2026
A trio of workshops inspires the next generation of players looking to enjoy the musical experience of being part of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 20
May 29, 2026
The Brighouse duo give their thoughts and opinions on Whit Friday and Saddleworth versus Tameside, as well as looking back on their recent travels far and wide.
British Open tickets on sale
May 28, 2026
The box office is open from 10.00am today to get tickets for the 172nd British Open Championship.
Tameside ready to welcome Whit Friday visitors
May 28, 2026
Tameside will offer a warm welcome to competitors and visitors alike for their Whit Friday contests.
Saddleworth set for Whit Friday
May 28, 2026
Brighouse & Rastrick defend their title on what promises to be a packed day of great march entertainment in the sun.
National Youth Orchestra set to transcend with summer concerts
May 28, 2026
Thomas Ades will lead the National Youth Orchestra this summer with an intoxicating world of sound, energy, transformation — and free tickets for teenagers.
Brabbins takes quartet chair at Royal College of Music
May 28, 2026
Martyn Brabbins is to become Personal Chair in Conducting at the Royal College of Music.
Spennymoor boosted by local Mayor
May 28, 2026
The Spennymoor Town and Youth bands will benefit to the tune of over £11,300 thanks to their local Mayor.
Places still up for grabs for Red Admiral Hymn & March contest
May 28, 2026
If you want to try and get your hands on a share of a big prize pot in Croston in July, you had better be quick.
A curious banding link...
May 27, 2026
A BBC television programme from 2023 had a slightly curious, but very timely link to the banding world...
World Championship perc to be provided by Adams
May 27, 2026
Adams Musical Instruments will provide all the percussion requirements for bands in Kerkrade in July.
Wainwright works continue to make championship mark
May 27, 2026
The compositions of Andrew Wainwright are being increasingly performed across the banding world — with his latest release set to add to the repertoire.
Radio: Touch of Brass
May 27, 2026
Enjoy plenty of great brass and military music from presenters Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.
