*
banner

Brass at the Guild opens entry doors

The popular early season contest at Preston's Guild Hall will be welcoming bands once again — with a choice of test-pieces, generous prizes funds and that extra qualification incentive to get on the British Open ladder...

bRASS AT THE gUILD hALL
  The popular contest provides bands with an early season kick-start

The popular 2019 Brass at the Guild contest is now looking to fill up its entry list.

The event held at Preston's Guild Hall on Sunday 27th January provides bands with an ideal opportunity to test their early season form — with the opportunity to perform either the 2019 Butlins Mineworkers test-pieces or the works to be used at the Regional Championships.

Brilliant kick-start

Supported by R. Banks & Son (Funerals Ltd) and its proprietor Brian Halliwell, last year's event provided a brilliant kick-start for the likes of City of Bradford, who also gained the all important invitation to compete at the British Open Spring Festival, Oldham Band (Lees) who went on to enjoy a memorable year, including winning the First Section National title.

With a generous prize fund (£400 to each section winner) and excellent organisation throughout the day, the event attracts bands from the north-west, Yorkshire, Midland, Wales and Scotland.

Youth contest

The entry list is also open for the British Open Youth contest which will be held at the venue on the same day, with bands battling for the prestigious title and £400 first prize by providing a 20 minute own-choice programme.

Get in touch

To get an entry form and find out more please go to: www.lanchashirecontests.com

You can also contact:
Frank Hodges
39, Broxton Avenue
Orrell
Wiga
WN58NP

Tel: 01942 212418

E-mail: frankhodges@btinternet.com

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    


Herbert

Brass bands on the Telegraph lines

August 31 • The Daily Telegraph's review of Prof Trevor Herbert's new book on brass bands draws a positive future outlook from critic Ivan Hewett.


Insurance

T&R Direct Insurance Services: A guide to brass band insurance

August 31 • Loads of things all bands and players need to know about protecting instruments


Wobplay

Banding classics added to Wobplay

August 31 • A great trio of classic banding releases, a new podcast episode and the chance to look back at this year's Elgar International Festival.


Camborne

Camborne Brass look to raise funds after break-in vandalism

August 31 • A Crowdfunding page has been launched to help Camborne Brass after vandals broke into their bandhall and caused extensive damage.


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


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd