*
banner
Music of the Spheres

Check out the Spheres before Symphony Hall

The countdown to the British Open sees the competing bands previewing their final preparations on 'Music of the Spheres' — so why not pop along and see how they are getting on.

September 07, 2026


Money

British Open Countdown: T minus 5

Glory and cash. One is priceless, the other pays the bills... but how much are they worth?

September 07, 2026


Murray Greig

Greig's to deliver in Leicester for free

There is a free day of brass for young players to enjoy under the expert tuition of Murray Grieg this weekend — so make sure you sign up to enjoy.

September 07, 2026


Illevold

Home town honour for Illevold's roots

The Norwegian euphonium soloist has been honoured for her musical achievements by her home town.

September 07, 2026


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.

September 06, 2026


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.

September 06, 2026


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...

September 06, 2026


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.

September 06, 2026


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts flugel role with Grimethorpe

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

September 05, 2026


Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 7

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

September 05, 2026


Mead

Tour marathon for Mead

Steven Mead marks a musical milestone with a marathon Asian tour.

September 05, 2026


Boax

Bands need to tick right Boax at Registry

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

September 05, 2026


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 38

The North Wales banding boys are back with more chat.

September 05, 2026


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

More brass bands music to enjoy from presenters Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.

September 05, 2026


Arsenal and Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 8

What's the link between the Premier League champions Arsenal and British Open champion Brighouse & Rastrick?

September 04, 2026


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.

September 03, 2026


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?

September 03, 2026


Friary

New signing at Friary

Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.

September 03, 2026


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.

September 03, 2026


Music

Spheres starting to align across the UK

Keep an eye out for a chance to hear a preview of 'Music of the Spheres' ahead of the British Open at Symphony Hall.

September 03, 2026


Youth

Youth Champs registration to open next week

It is first come first served for the spots to take part in the National Youth Championship of Great Britain.

September 03, 2026


March

Call for representation at Holme Valley AGM

Bands are being asked to attend the AGM of the Holme Valley Contest Committee to ensure the popular contest can continue in the future.

September 03, 2026


TIPD

BBE extends partnership with cashless donations platform Tipd

Brass Band England member bands can benefit from gaining digital donations.

September 03, 2026


EBBA

Call for entries for 10th European Composers Competition

EBBA announces entry details for its 10th European Composers Competition in Montreux.

September 02, 2026


Twcester

Get your motor running...

Towcester Studio Band enjoyed a memorable weekend revving up the entertainment for a huge crowd at the popular CarFest event.

September 02, 2026




4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

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


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd