*
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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd