News / Latest
New six pack from Presto
Six new and old releases with a connection to the brass band world to enjoy through Presto Music.
June 03, 2026
Report & Results: 2026 Tameside Whit Friday
Foden's retain their Whit Friday title with a Presidential flourish in Tameside.
June 02, 2026
Scottish banding battles for success
A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.
June 01, 2026
Death of David Banwell
The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.
June 01, 2026
Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4
The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music
May 31, 2026
Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday
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.
May 31, 2026
New band formed after Festival Brass spilt
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.
May 30, 2026
Conductors enjoy Gray and Black inspiration
Russell Gray and Stuart Black take the lead on the Scotsman's latest conducting course.
May 30, 2026
Clark completes musical journey at Whitburn
Young tenor horn star Tyler Clark is the latest success story of the Whitburn Player Pathway Programme.
May 30, 2026
Glew secures top seat at Freckleton
One of the North West banding's emerging talents has been appointed principal cornet at Freckleton Band.
May 30, 2026
Fancy a cruise with a difference?
You can book early for the 2027 Brass Cruise — and you can bring your instrument too.
May 30, 2026
Double top for Williams at Urdd
Conductor Dylan Williams led Ysgol Bontnewydd and Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen to repeat success at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Anglesey.
May 30, 2026
Whit Friday results
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.
May 30, 2026
New generation starts to shine for NYBBGB
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.
May 29, 2026
Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 20
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.
May 29, 2026
British Open tickets on sale
The box office is open from 10.00am today to get tickets for the 172nd British Open Championship.
May 28, 2026
Tameside ready to welcome Whit Friday visitors
Tameside will offer a warm welcome to competitors and visitors alike for their Whit Friday contests.
May 28, 2026
Saddleworth set for Whit Friday
Brighouse & Rastrick defend their title on what promises to be a packed day of great march entertainment in the sun.
May 28, 2026
National Youth Orchestra set to transcend with summer concerts
Thomas Ades will lead the National Youth Orchestra this summer with an intoxicating world of sound, energy, transformation — and free tickets for teenagers.
May 28, 2026
Brabbins takes quartet chair at Royal College of Music
Martyn Brabbins is to become Personal Chair in Conducting at the Royal College of Music.
May 28, 2026
Spennymoor boosted by local Mayor
The Spennymoor Town and Youth bands will benefit to the tune of over £11,300 thanks to their local Mayor.
May 28, 2026
Places still up for grabs for Red Admiral Hymn & March contest
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.
May 28, 2026
A curious banding link...
A BBC television programme from 2023 had a slightly curious, but very timely link to the banding world...
May 27, 2026
World Championship perc to be provided by Adams
Adams Musical Instruments will provide all the percussion requirements for bands in Kerkrade in July.
May 27, 2026
