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Clans contest

Battle of the Clans

A new cross border contest pitting the bands of the North of England against their Scottish counterparts will take place in June.

January 04, 2026


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 22

The popular podcast with a distinctive Welsh flavour returns for the new year.

January 04, 2026


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

Sandy and Simon look back at the topics and discussions that they covered during 2025.

January 04, 2026


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

More great music to enjoy over the next two weeks from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.

January 04, 2026


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.

January 01, 2026


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.

January 01, 2026


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.

January 01, 2026


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.

January 01, 2026


French National

French organisers release National Championship details

The 21st French National Championships will take place in Forges-les-Eaux over the weekend of 28th February & 1st March.

January 01, 2026


Littlbrough Band

Death of Damian Jackson

The death has been announced of the stalwart Littleborough Brass player Damian Jackson.

January 01, 2026


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

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.

December 31, 2025


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

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.

December 31, 2025


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

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

December 30, 2025


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

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.

December 30, 2025


unibrass

UniBrass CompComp26 reveals shortlist

Four young composers will look to be crowned 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition winner.

December 30, 2025


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 5 & 6

Jo Behan meets up with Idun Carling and the female players of Desford Colliery Band for the final two episodes of her podcast series for 2025.

December 30, 2025


Brassing Around

New Year brassing treats in store in Cardiff

Players from a number of bands will join forces for a New Year's Brassing Around concert at Llandaff Cathedral

December 30, 2025


Jim Hayes

Hayes principal tenure ends at the cooperation band

Two decades of, "exceptional musicianship and dedication" has come to an end at the Brass in Concert Champions, as Jim Hayes takes a final cooperation bow.

December 30, 2025


Downshire

New Year's Honour for Prof Michael Alcorn

The highly respected academic and musician has become a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year's Honours list.

December 30, 2025


Besson

4BR Christmas Quiz

How good is your brass band knowledge? Good enough to win a cornet and goodies for a young player?

December 26, 2025


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.

December 25, 2025


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.

December 25, 2025


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.

December 25, 2025


Player

2025 4BR Player of the Year

So much individual talent shone in the banding world in 2025 — but one player was the shining star of them all.

December 25, 2025


4BR awards

2025 4BR Test Piece of the Year

Lots of fine music to enjoy on the contest stage in 2025 at all levels, but it was a resurrected work that enjoyed an anniversary bonus.

December 25, 2025




Tommy Tynan

4BR Thursday interview with Tommy Tynan

January 15 • We catch up with Black Dyke Band's Tommy Tynan as he prepares to take up the baton as a finalist in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition this weekend in Tidworth.


RAF

RAF Ensembles continue to fly high and wide

January 15 • The variant ensembles that are part of the Band of the RAF Regiment continue to reach out in their musical performances.


Ingbjord

Duality of expansion and recognition for Vilhelmsen

January 15 • Norwegian composer gains recognition for the popularity and critical acclaim of her brass band works with publisher award nomination.


Skunkworks

A brass band camp with a difference...

January 15 • The latest Skunkworks Community Bright Brass & Percussion Summer Intensive in Australia came with snake bites, heat stress gastroenteritis and bushfires, as well as plenty of great music making...


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


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.


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

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