*
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    


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts flugel role with Grimethorpe

September 5 • Kirsty Abbotts is the new flugel horn player at Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 7

September 5 • 10 bands taking part this year have lifted the famous British Open Gold Shield in triumph...


Mead

Tour marathon for Mead

September 5 • Steven Mead marks a musical milestone with a marathon Asian tour.


Boax

Bands need to tick right Boax at Registry

September 5 • Cory Band baritone player Charlie Boax has joined the Brass Band Players Registry as their new Office Administrator.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd