*
banner

Cross border welcome at Rochdale contest

The forthcoming NWABBA Contest in Rochdale has a true cross border feel to it.

Welcome
  Thee will be a warm welcome for bands from across different borders in Rochdale later this month

The North West Area Brass Band Association's forthcoming contest at Rochdale Town Hall on October 29th has attracted a fine line-up of competitors.

The list of bands to take part in the senior contest on the 29th October includes those from the North West, North of England, Midlands, North Wales and for the first time, Scotland.

No less than 34 bands will take to the stage to try and impress adjudicators Alan Widdop and Andrew Warriner.

Happy

A very happy contest organiser Richard Milton, playfully told told 4BR: "With bands travelling from other countries we considered calling this the Rochdale International Festival of Brass!

We are delighted that the contest, with its increased support from sponsors has now established a reputation amongst bands from near and far."

Youth contest

Although the youth contest that takes place the day before on Saturday 28th has attracted fewer bands this year, that is in part to the half term holidays.

The three local bands taking part will now compete at the Rochdale Salvation Army Hall which is short walk from the town hall in the centre of the town.

Youth Contest


Saturday 28th October
2.00pm
Rochdale Salvation Army Hall

Oldham Music Centre Youth
Rochdale Borough Youth
Whitworth Vale & Healey Youth

With bands travelling from other countries we considered calling this the Rochdale International Festival of Brass! Contest organiser, Richard Milton

Rochdale Contest


29th October
Adjudicators: Andrew Warriner and Alan Widdopp

Championship Section:


Adjudicator: Andrew Warriner

1. Derwent Brass
2. Milnrow


First Section:


Adjudicator: Andrew Warriner

1. Annan Town
2. Freckleton
3. Hade Edge
4. Haslingden & Helmshore
5. Marsden Silver Prize
6. Oldham (Lees)
7. Silk Brass
8. Skelmanthorpe


Second Section:


Adjudicator: Andrew Warriner

1. Besses Boys
2. Delph
3. Flixton
4. Golborne Brass
5. Horwich RMI
6. Middleton
7. Pemberton Old DW Wigan B
8. Royal Buckley Town
9. Uppermill
10. Whitworth Vale & Healey


Third Section:


Adjudicator: Alan Widdop

1. BD1 Brass
2. Dobcross Silver
3. Farnworth & Walkden
4. Greenfield
5. Ifton Colliery
6. Littleborough
7. Skelmersdale


Fourth Section:


Adjudicator: Alan Widdop

1. Blackley
2. Cadishead Public
3. Denton
4. Lostock Hall
5. Parr St Helens
6. Sale Brass
7. Stockport Silver

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    


NYBBGB

Principal roles in place on National Youth Band course

July 27 • The principal players on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Children's Band course have been decided.


Brass in Concert

Seats in demand for Brass in Concert

July 27 • November in Gateshead may be a while away, but tickets for Brass in Concert are already being snapped up very quickly.


nybbs

Scottish principals to the fore in Strathallan

July 27 • The young players on the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland course are making their musical mark.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: I Want You Back (Philip Harper)

July 27 • Bring the sound of Motown to your next concert.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 27 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We currently have vacancies for EEb and BBb BASS players and a 2nd EUPHONIUM player. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Tintwistle Band

July 25 • are looking for a new MD to lead our friendly and committed band as we continue to build on our proud traditions and look towards an exciting future.If you enjoy helping musicians of all ages and abilities reach their potential,we’d love to hear from you!


Ashington Colliery Band

July 24 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd