*
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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd