Line-ups for North of England Area confirmed
February 26
42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and Cheltenham later in the year.
The Brass Band Story set for publication
February 26 • A new book written by Prof Trevor Herbert and aimed at general readers interested in an overall analysis and insight into the brass band movement in the UK and beyond, is to be published in July.
Small drop in Midlands Area entrants
February 26 • 69 bands will compete at the Midlands Regional Championships over two weekends in March.
Positive uptake for Scottish title challenges
February 26 • There will be two full days of competitive and non-competitive music making at the 2026 Scottish Championship in Perth.
4BR Review — Episode 16
February 26 • Iwan and Chris looked forward to the 2026 Regional Championships — the issues, music and tips for victory, as well as provide their views on new CD releases, book, LPs, concerts and events to go to...
New Dutch National works to be revealed
February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.
Radio: Touch of Brass
February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.
Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass
February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.
Radio: Bandstand
February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.
Black Dyke Mills Band: Classic Brass
£5.39£5.39
Brass from the Masters - Volume 1
£6.50£6.50
Still Glides the Stream
£11.25£11.25
4BR Review - Episode 16
February 26 • Iwan and Chris look forward to the 2026 Regional Championships - the issues, music and tips for victory...
4BR Review - Episode 15
February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival as well as forward to the Norwegian Nationals and more...
4BR Review - Episode 14
January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.
4BR Review - Episode 13
December 31 • Iwan and Chris announce the long list of nominations for the 2025 4BR Awards. Drum roll please...
Beware shifting sands: The need for banding to read the warning signs
February 21 • Brass Bands England very nearly paid the price for not heeding the warning signs of shifting financial sands — but their close call can instil optimism for the future.
The Regional Championships: The bedrock of British banding
February 20 • As competitors prepare for the series of regional qualifying contests, Tim Mutum explains how they came about by hard work and persuasion, and why, 60 years ago, the whole thing nearly came crashing down.
What the papers say: Brass bands and the mainstream media
January 22 • The banding movement has it challenges, but even the BBC Music Magazine seems to offer little in support of the efforts to break free of stereotypes
Take 5: A quintet of early seasons events to enjoy
January 2 • Five festivals, championships, concerts and contests to make a date in you diary to attend in January and February.
Concert: Strike up the Band
February 14 • Ian Bousfield inspires as well as thrills with his display of consummate musicianship in Cardiff.
Concert: Brass Across Borders
February 4 • A fine night of music making in honour of a popular bandsman is enjoyed by a packed cross border audience in Manchester.
Concert: Brighouse & Rastrick Band
January 31 • Displays of compositional craftsmanship, ensemble quality and solo excellence round off the RNCM Festival.
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brass Band Treize Etoiles | 1,011.29 |
| 2 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 999.68 |
| 3 | Cory | 915.46 |
| 4 | Foden's | 790.99 |
| 5 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 788.12 |
| 6 | Flowers | 676.02 |
| 7 | Brass Band Willebroek | 638.58 |
| 8 | Black Dyke | 634.73 |
| 9 | Valaisia Brass Band | 612.47 |
| 10 | the cooperation band | 540.01 |
Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band
Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL
Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band
Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ
Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band
Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army
Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Banks Brass Band
February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL
Chinnor Silver
February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.
St Albans Brass Band
February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk
Lt Col David Barringer MBE
BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator