*
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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd