Articles /2013
Welsh Brass Day — Gallery from the BBC Radio Wales celebration of Welsh brass banding
December 22, 2013
Some of the highlights of the recent BBC Radio Wales Brass Day.
Christmas spirit — One band's desire to stop a festive visit from the Grim Reaper
December 16, 2013
Garforth Brass MD Mark Wilde talks to 4BR about the problems faced by a Third Section band in stopping set-backs and the occasional crisis developing into terminal decline...
Call of Duty — An insight into an adjudicator's lot...
December 10, 2013
4BR talks to Nicholas Garman to find out just how the adjudicator's role works and appeals to someone new to the job.
The new Swiss Role — Complex banding comes of age in Montreux
November 30, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at the 2013 Swiss National Championships and detects a new found sense of musical confidence to go with the discreet excellence of their administration work...
2013 Swiss National Championship — As it happened
November 24, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Swiss National Championship - as it happened.
2013 Swiss National Championship — Gallery from Montreux
November 23, 2013
Images from the 2013 Swiss Nationals held at the Montreux Convention Centre
2013 Brass in Concert Championship — Retrospective
November 21, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at a Brass in Concert Championship that had you looking much closer at the vital statistics than normal.
2013 Brass in Concert Championship — Gallery from The Sage
November 18, 2013
Images from the day's entertainment at the Brass in Concert Championship in Gateshead.
2013 Brass in Concert Championship — As it happened
November 17, 2013
Live comments from the 2013 Brass in Concert Championship as it happened.
2013 Brass in Concert Championship — Preview & Prediction
November 15, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the first rate musical talent at The Sage and the end of third rate tripe from Simon Cowell's brand of freak show entertainment.
2013 Brass in Concert Championship — Runners & Riders
November 15, 2013
4BR takes a closer look at the 11 top class entertainers ready to wow at The Sage.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Championship Section - As it happened
October 12, 2013
All the action from the 2013 National Championship of Great Britain - Championship Section - as it happened.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Retrospective
October 15, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at how Cory claimed their sixth National title at the Royal Albert Hall.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — What the adjudicators said
October 15, 2013
This is what the judges wrote about the top three prize winning performances on 'Of Distant Memories'
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Five things to commit to memory
October 15, 2013
There was a quintet of other significant bits and pieces that stuck in the memory at the Albert Hall.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Postcard from the Albert Hall
October 15, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox finds out that size isn't everything when it comes to being able to cherish a 'Little Master'.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Anatomy of a winning performance
October 15, 2013
Ian Clowes followed Cory's winning performance unfold before his camera lens at the Royal Albert Hall on the weekend
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — The prize winners
October 15, 2013
Images of all the prize winners from the 2013 National Finals.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — The conductors in action
October 15, 2013
Ian Clowes kept a close eye on the action from the stage on the weekend with memorable images of the conductors in action.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — The bands in action
October 15, 2013
20 bands took to the stage to try and create memories of their own on Edward Gregson's fantastic set work.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Images from the Albert Hall
October 15, 2013
Ian Clowes was in and around the Albert Hall on the weekend making sure he snapped plenty of memorable images.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Preview and prediction
October 10, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to a memorable battle in more ways than one at the Albert Hall on the weekend.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Runners & Riders
October 10, 2013
These are the bands hoping to become the 2013 Champion Band of Great Britain this weekend.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Test piece review
October 10, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a look at a masterful piece of facadism from the pen of Edward Gregson.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Foden's Double life
October 10, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood discovers how winning the 'Double' has changed the way in which Foden's now help their players balance work, family life and banding.
The Brass Event — Brass without Boundaries comes to Wales
October 7, 2013
4BR looks forward to the international stars of the brass world set to appear at Cardiff's ground breaking festival.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Section 1 - As it happened
September 22, 2013
All the action from the 2013 National Championship of Great Britain - Section 1 - as it happened.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Section 2 - As it happened
September 21, 2013
All the action from the 2013 National Championship of Great Britain - Section 2 - as it happened.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Section 3 - As it happened
September 22, 2013
All the action from the 2013 National Championship of Great Britain - Section 3 - as it happened.
2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Section 4 - As it happened
September 21, 2013
All the action from the 2013 National Championship of Great Britain - Section 4 - as it happened.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section retrospective
September 26, 2013
Iwan Fox looks back at how the First Section National title was won and lost in Cheltenham.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section retrospective
September 26, 2013
Malcolm Wood looks back at how the Second Section National title was won and lost in Cheltenham.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section retrospective
September 26, 2013
Malcolm Wood looks back at how the Third Section National title was won and lost in Cheltenham.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section retrospective
September 26, 2013
Iwan Fox looks back at how the Fourth Section title was won and lost in Cheltenham.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Gallery from the First Section
September 19, 2013
Images of the bands, presentations and celebrations from the First Section National Finals.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Gallery from the Second Section
September 19, 2013
Images of the bands, presentations and celebrations from the Second Section National Finals.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Gallery from the Third Section
September 19, 2013
Images of the bands, presentations and celebrations from the Third Section National Finals.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Gallery from the Fourth Section
September 19, 2013
Images of the bands, presentations and celebrations from the Fourth Section National Finals.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section Preview & Prediction
September 18, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at a contest that will be won by a band that will have to master a wonderfully intriguing work from composer Gavin Higgins.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section Preview & Prediction
September 18, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to hearing bands at their best on Kenneth Downie's test of musicality.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section Preview & Prediction
September 18, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at a contest that will offer the starkest of emotions even in victory.
2013 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section Preview & Prediction
September 18, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to a contest that will highlight keen competitiveness and compositional craftsmanship.
2013 British Open Championship — As it happened
September 7, 2013
All the action from the 2013 British Open Championship - as it happened.
2013 British Open Championship — Retrospective
September 13, 2013
Chris Thomas looks back at the 2013 British Open Championship at Symphony Hall - a contest won in truly memorable fashion by Tredegar.
2013 British Open Championship — Postcard from the Coliseum
September 13, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox wonders if the Romans and the Mortimers got it right after all when it came to providing the masses with entertainment.
2013 British Open Championship — One to remember for all time?
September 13, 2013
Tredegar's stunning winning performance was described by the composer as 'absolutely incredible!!!' So is it up there with the best since 1945 at the Open?
2013 British Open Championship — The Adjudications
September 11, 2013
This is what the judges Stephen Roberts, David Read MBE and Rob Wiffin OBE had to say about the top three prize winners at the 161st British Open.
2013 British Open Championship — Gallery of presentations and prizewinners
September 11, 2013
Ian Clowes captures the joy of the prize winners and presentations at Symphony Hall
2013 British Open Championship — Gallery from Symphony Hall
September 11, 2013
Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions was on hand in Birmingham to capture some great images of the 161st British Open.
2013 British Open Championship — Gallery of bands in action
September 11, 2013
Images of some of the bands in action at 161st British Open Championship at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
2013 British Open Championship — As it happened
September 7, 2013
All the action from the 2013 British Open Championship - as it happened.
2013 British Open Championship — Preview & Prediction
September 4, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox previews the 161st British Open Championship - a contest played out against rumours of age old grumbling spleens...
2013 British Open Championship — Runners & Riders
September 4, 2013
4BR looks at the 20 bands all hoping to make it an 'Arabian Night' to remember in Birmingham on Saturday.
2013 British Open Championship — Test Piece Review
September 4, 2013
Iwan Fox takes a look at Stephen Roberts's 'Arabian Nights' - a return to the historical test piece roots of the British Open contest.
2013 British Open Championship — 5 minutes with Christopher Binns
September 4, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood catches up with Milnrow's talented young trombonist Christopher Binns as he prepares to make his British Open debut.
2013 British Open Championship — Can history repeat itself?
September 4, 2013
Iwan Fox looks back at Foden's 1913 triumph to see if history can repeat itself this weekend?
Sun, sea and musings — banding life in Corfu
August 30, 2013
Former Brighouse & Rastrick cornet player Richard Jones finds a musical experience to cherish and inspire on the Ionian island of Corfu...
What's the score? — A guide to preparation and presentation
August 29, 2013
Phillip Littlemore reveals the secrets to good score preparation and presentation using music notation software
4BR Solo Spotlight — Picking the right xylophone feature
August 29, 2013
Percussion star Gavin Pritchard selects a few xylophone solos to consider for your next concert - from the eager beginner to the fully fledged wizard.
4BR Time Team — The greatest tenor horn player ever?
August 20, 2013
Allan Littlemore looks back on the remarkable playing career of Arthur Webb - one of the greatest tenor horn players in banding history.
4BR Interview — Bramwell Tovey (Part 3)
August 18, 2013
In the final part of his major interview with 4BR, Chris Thomas finds out more about Bramwell Tovey's thoughts on the modern brass banding world.
4BR Scouting Report — Baritone brothers Steven and Michael Cavanagh
August 18, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood turns the spotlight on two talented baritone players, Steven and Mike Cavanagh.
Brass on canvas — Why are paintings inspired by brass bands so hard to find?
August 14, 2013
Paintings of a brass band are rarely seen adorning the walls of art galleries or museums - although there have been some wonderful artists who have been inspired by our art form over the years as 4BR Editor Iwan Fox found out.
You're in the Army now — Military top brass to welcome new banding recruits
August 9, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox finds out more about the British Army's historic decision to create three professional brass bands within its ranks.
How to make brass from brass — The perfect Pershore Festival partnership
August 6, 2013
4BR discovers that an inventive festival partnership between a hard working organisation and the local community can bring a town to commercial life through brass band music making.
Ashes to Ashes — Cricket, tea and a brass band in disguise
August 4, 2013
Malcolm Wood enjoys a day out at the Old Trafford test match accompanied by happy Aussies, a cup of tea and the sound of a Yorkshire brass band...
4BR Interview — Bramwell Tovey (Part 2)
July 28, 2013
In the second of his major three part interview, Chris Thomas finds out more about Bram Tovey's influences and opinions...
Be more like Bernstein — How to become a well rounded musician....
July 27, 2013
Geraint Davies delves into his years of teaching experience to come up with ten top tips for music lovers both young and old to become better, more rounded musicians....
Kilroy is here — An impressive opening full of realism from BBE's new Chairman
July 24, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports on an impressive start to Mike Kilroy's tenure as the new Chairman of Brass Bands England.
Champions of the World — 4BR joins Manger Musikklag on their trip to Kerkrade
July 13, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox recently spent time with Manger Musikklag as they prepared for their assault on the World Championship in Kerkrade.
Champions of the World — Gallery of Manger Musikklag in Holland
July 12, 2013
Images of Manger Musikklag's recent concert and contest tour to the World Championships in Kerkrade in Holland.
Journey to Freedom — Allan Withington unlocks conductor potential
July 11, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox enjoys a trip behind bars to see how Allan Withington is helping to unlock international conducting potential in Holland.
Journey to Freedom — Gallery of images from the Allan Withington Conductor Summer School
July 11, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox captured some of the jail break action at the recent Allan Withington Conductor Summer School in Leeuwarden in Holland.
2013 World Music Championship — As it happened
July 29, 2013
All the action from the 2013 World Music Championship - as it happened.
2013 World Music Championship — Gallery from Kerkrade
July 9, 2013
4BR images from the recent World Music Championship in Kerkrade in Holland where Manger Musikklag claimed the world title.
2013 English National Championship — retrospective
June 30, 2013
A hat-trick triumph will lead to some slight re-arrangements at Black Dyke's bandroom following their English National victory.
2013 English National Championship — Gallery from Birmingham
June 30, 2013
Images from the 2013 English National Championship held at the Elgar Concert Hall of the University of Birmingham.
2013 English National Championship — As it happened
June 29, 2013
All the action from the 2013 English National Championship - as it happened.
My uncle the composer — George Lloyd remembered
June 27, 2013
George Lloyd's former business manager Bill Lloyd talks to 4BR about the composer who just happened to be his uncle...
2013 English National Championship — Preview & Prediction
June 26, 2013
Has the English National ever recovered from the pain of Wayne Rooney's errant footwork in Germany in 2006? This Saturday could gives us the ultimate answer.
4BR Interview — Bramwell Tovey (Part 1)
June 25, 2013
In the first of a major three part interview, Chris Thomas talks about all things music to Bramwell Tovey.
2013 All England Masters International Championship — Retrospective
June 1, 2013
Chris Thomas looks back at the 25th Masters - won by a band and MD that found the essential character traits of classic Eric Ball.
2013 All England Masters International Championship — As it happened
May 28, 2013
All the action from the 2013 All England Masters International Championship - as it happened.
2013 All England Masters International Championship — 25 years of the Masters
May 24, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks at the Masters - and congratulates the organisers for being able to stick two fingers up to their critics...
2013 All England Masters International Championship — Preview & Prediction
May 24, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to looking back with Eric Ball's annual meeting of gay friends in Kettering...
2013 Whit Friday — Retrospective
June 1, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back on day when some red hot playing kept players both young and old warm around Tameside and Saddleworth.
2013 Whit Friday Contest — Gallery of images from Tameside and Saddleworth
May 28, 2013
Ian Clowes and Malcolm Wood provide some memorable images of the greatest free show on earth...
The Greatest Free Show on Earth — The Whit Friday contests in Saddleworth & Tameside
May 23, 2013
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the greatest free show on earth this weekend - the Whit Friday contests in Saddleworth and Tameside.
4BR Interview — Stephen Roberts (Part 2)
May 21, 2013
Chris Thomas continues his in depth conversation with composer Stephen Roberts - the man behind this year's British Open test piece.
The Best of Banding — How local banding partnerships can work
May 21, 2013
Jeremy Dibb provides 4BR with his personal experience of how partnerships between local community bands can work well.
Manifesto promises — The battle for the future leadership of BBE gets underway
May 14, 2013
David Ashworth and Kevin Holgate set out their 'Manifesto for the Future' as they seek election to Brass Bands England.
2013 Spring Festival — Grand Shield - As it happened
May 11, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Spring Festival (Grand Shield) - as it happened.
2013 Spring Festival — Senior Cup - As it happened
May 11, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Spring Festival (Senior Cup) - as it happened.
2013 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy - As it happened
May 11, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Spring Festival (Senior Trophy) - as it happened.
2013 Spring Festival — Grand Shield - retrospective
May 15, 2013
Chris Thomas looks back on a contest that certainly lived up to its unpredictable nature as Milnrow claimed an emotional victory.
2013 Spring Festival — Senior Cup - retrospective
May 15, 2013
Malcolm Wood looks back on a contest that was won in considerable style by a Woodfalls Band that certainly mastered the key problems of a tricky test piece.
2013 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy - retrospective
May 15, 2013
John James looks back on a contest won by Newtongrane - a band that has been on a high and low journey of its own of late.
2013 Spring Festival — Gallery of prize winners
May 14, 2013
There were plenty of winning smiles and promotion grins on display at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool this year...
2013 Spring Festival — Preview to Blackpool
May 9, 2013
Malcolm Wood sets the scene on a weekend of hard graft, hard drinking and hard luck - with only two bands making a getaway from it all on the Golden Mile...
2013 Spring Festival — Grand Shield - Preview & Prediction
May 9, 2013
The hardest brass band contest in the world to win will come down to who knows most about the musical habits of a ginger cleric...
2013 Spring Festival — Senior Cup - Preview & Prediction
May 9, 2013
A touch of Italian carnival splendour stands in the way of the bands hoping to claim their place in the Grand Shield.
2013 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy - Preview & Prediction
May 9, 2013
A classic piece of mature Eric Ball will test the bands as they hope to take the first step on ther own journey to the British Open.
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Retrospective
May 10, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at a possible defining victory for Cory at the European Championships in Olso.
2013 European Brass Band Championships — As it happened
May 7, 2013
All the action from the 2013 European Brass Band Championships in Olso - as it happened.
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Gallery - Gala Concert and Awards
May 7, 2013
Ian Clowes captures the celebrations as the awards were presented
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Gallery - Bands: Own Choice
May 4, 2013
Ian Clowes captures the bands in action during the own choice contest
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Gallery - Conductors - Set Work
May 4, 2013
Ian Clowes captures the conductors in action during the set work contest
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Gallery - Around the Championships
May 4, 2013
Ian Clowes captures moments from 2013 EBBC
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Gallery - Conductors Competition
May 2, 2013
Ian Clowes captures moments from the European Conductors Competition
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Gallery - European Youth Brass Band
May 2, 2013
Ian Clowes captures moments from the European Youth Brass Band playing in Oslo 2013
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Gallery from Oslo
May 2, 2013
Ian Clowes and the 4BR team have been out and about capturing images of Oslo scene for the Championships.
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Oslo Preview
April 30, 2013
Has the plan for never ending European banding expansionism finally come to an end in Oslo?
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Section Preview & Prediction
April 30, 2013
Could home advantage be the deciding factor this year in Oslo?
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Section Runners & Riders
April 30, 2013
11 of the very best bands will lock horns to see who can be crowned the 2013 Champion Band of Europe.
2013 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Test Piece Review
April 30, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at an intriguing take on Norwegian pond life from the pen of Stig Nordhagen.
4BR Interview — Tine Thing Helseth
April 29, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood meets the Norwegian trumpet star who has just about everything in life planned out to perfection.
Percussion Problem Solver — Being prepared
April 24, 2013
In the first of a new series Gavin Pritchard gives helpful advice on how to be prepared for the expected and the unexpected on the contest stage.
Neglected Gems — Seascape with High Cliffs
April 24, 2013
Chris Thomas puts forward the case for a timely reappraisal of a forgotten European test piece.
2013 North American Brass Band Championships — As it happened
April 13, 2013
All the action from the 2013 North American Brass Band Championships - as it happened.
2013 North American Brass Band Championships — Retrospective
April 22, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at contest events in Cincinnati, where musical style and American substance was certainly on show.
2013 North American Brass Band Championships — Prize winners gallery
April 13, 2013
Gallery images of the Prizewinners at this year's Championships in Cincinnati .
2013 North American Brass Band Championships — Gallery from Cincinnati
April 12, 2013
4BR Editor has been out and about capturing images of the action at the Cincinnati Mason Centre this weekend.
2013 National Youth Championships of Great Britain — Retrospective
April 22, 2013
Malcolm Wood looks back on the National Youth Championships - where a gold medal was fully deserved for Brass Bands England as well as well as for the very best competitors.
2013 National Youth Championships of Great Britain — Championship & Intermediate Gallery
April 18, 2013
Steve Jack was out and about at the RNCM in Manchester capturing the action in the Championship and Intermediate Sections at the National Youth Championships.
2013 National Youth Championships of Great Britain — Beginners & Juniors Gallery
April 17, 2013
Steve Jack was out and about at the RNCM in Manchester capturing the action in the Beginners and Junior Sections at the National Youth Championships.
2013 National Youth Championships of Great Britain — Introduction
April 10, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks forward to a wonderful day of competition at the RNCM in Manchester on the weekend.
2013 Australian National Championships — As it happened
March 31, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Australian National Championships - as it happened.
2013 Australian National Championships — Retrospective
April 9, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back on the 2013 Yamaha Australian National Championships in Perth - and a result that revealed its bikini lines more than most.
2013 Australian National Championships — Gallery: The Prize Winners
March 31, 2013
Images of the prize winners at this year's Australian National Championships in Perth.
2013 Australian National Championships — Gallery: Sunday
March 31, 2013
Selection of images from the A Grade and B Grade events.
2013 Australian National Championships — Gallery: Friday
March 28, 2013
Selection of images from the A Grade and B Grade events
2013 Australian National Championships — Contest Preview
March 25, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to his trip to the Australian National Championships in Perth this weekend.
2013 Welsh Regional Championships — As it happened
March 17, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Welsh Regional Championships - as it happened.
2013 Welsh Regional Championships — Championship Section retrospective
March 24, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at the top section action at Swansea.
2013 Welsh Regional Championships — Gallery from the Brangwyn Hall
March 19, 2013
Images of the prize winners from the Welsh Regional Championship in Swansea's Brangwyn Hall this year.
2013 Welsh Regional Championships — Previews & Predictions
March 14, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the battle of the Welsh bands in Swansea on the weekend.
2013 North of England Regional Championships — As it happened
March 17, 2013
All the action from the 2013 North of England Regional Championships - as it happened.
2013 North of England Regional Championships — Championship Section retrospective
March 24, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back at the top section action at Darlington.
2013 North of England Regional Championships — Preview & Predictions
March 14, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks forward to what promises to be an enjoyable weekend of contesting in Darlington.
2013 London & Southern Counties Regional Championhips — As it happened
March 17, 2013
All the action from the 2013 London & Southern Counties Regional Championhips - as it happened.
2013 London & Southern Counties Regional Championships — Championship Section retrospective
March 24, 2013
4BR's Peter Bale looks back at the top section action at Stevenage.
2013 London & Southern Counties Regional Championhips — Preview & Predictions
March 14, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the competitive action at Stevenage this weekend.
2013 Midlands Regional Championships — As it happened
March 10, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Midlands Regional Championships - as it happened.
2013 Midlands Regional Championships — Championship Section retrospective
March 24, 2013
4BR's Chris Thomas looks back at the top section action at Bedworth.
2013 Midlands Regional Championships — Preview & Predictions
March 8, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the action at one of the most closely contested regional championships in the country.
2013 North West Regional Championships — As it happened
March 10, 2013
All the action from the 2013 North West Regional Championships - as it happened.
2013 North West Regional Championships — Gallery of the Blackpool weekend
March 13, 2013
Steve Jack and John James were recording the images of the action at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on the weekend.
2013 North West Regional Championships — Championship Section retrospecive
March 24, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back at the top section action at Blackpool.
2013 North West Regional Championships — Preview & Predictions
March 8, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks forward to the unique atmosphere of the banding action at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Mother's Day.
2013 Scottish Championships — As it happened
March 10, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Scottish Championships - as it happened.
2013 Scottish Championships — Championship Section retrospective
March 24, 2013
4BR looks back at the action in the top section at Perth.
2013 Scottish Championships — Gallery from Perth
March 16, 2013
Linda Cairns was in Perth last weekend to capture the happy smiles of bands and players heading to Cheltenham and London later in the year.
2013 Scottish Championships — Preview & Predictions
March 7, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the action unfolding in Perth this weekend as the countdown to the 2014 European Championships begin...
2013 West of England Regional Championships — As it happened
March 10, 2013
All the action from the 2013 West of England Regional Championships - as it happened.
2013 West of England Regional Championships — Gallery from Torquay
March 14, 2013
Images of the two days of drama and excitement in Torquay taken by 4BR editor Iwan Fox
2013 West of England Regional Championships — Championship Section retrospective
March 24, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back on the action in the top section at Torquay.
2013 West of England Regional Championships — Preview & Predictions
March 7, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the battles for supremacy in Torquay this weekend.
2013 Yorkshire Regional Championship — As it happened
March 3, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Yorkshire Regional Championship - as it happened.
2013 Yorkshire Regional Championships — Championship Section retrospective
March 5, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back on the drama, theatre and ethereal music making that gave Carlton Main their first Yorkshire title since 1999 in Bradford on the weekend.
2013 Yorkshire Regional Championships — Lower Section retrospectives
March 5, 2013
Iwan Fox and Malcolm Wood look back on the action in the First, Second, Third and Fourth Sections at Bradford on the weekend.
2013 Yorkshire Regional Championships — Gallery of the Bradford prizewinners
March 5, 2013
Images of the people and bands that took the prizes at Bradford this year.
2013 Yorkshire Regional Championships — Gallery from Bradford
March 5, 2013
Images of the two days of drama and excitement at St George's Hall in Bradford taken by 4BR editor Iwan Fox
2013 Yorkshire Regional Championships — Preview & Predictions
February 28, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the action at St George's Hall - and makes his predictions on who he think's may end up in London and Cheltenham.
4BR Spotlight Interview — 5 minutes or so with Exit Brass!
February 27, 2013
Malcolm Wood catches up with the talented Belgian quartet Exit Brass!
4BR Interview — Stephen Roberts (Part 1)
February 26, 2013
In the first of two interviews, Chris Thomas talks to Stephen Roberts - a musician of who has made such a significent mark in both the orchestral and banding worlds.
2013 Regional Championships — Harmony, what harmony?
February 26, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the action that will unfold over the coming weeks - thanks to a touch of unintended musical irony....
4BR Interview — Bernard Jones OBE
February 20, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox meets a remarkable businessman who was able to use his success to benefit the great passions of his life.
2013 Welsh Open Entertainment Championship — Gallery from Porthcawl
February 17, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox captures images of the action and prizes at the recent Welsh Open Entertainment Championship in Porthcawl.
2013 Brass at the Guild — Gallery
February 4, 2013
The presentation of the awards in the Guild Hall, Preston
2013 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship — retrospective
February 14, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back at a great day of entertainment at Blackpool, where Youth Brass 2000 were pushed all the way to produce their contest winning Glenn Miller magic...
2013 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship — Preview & prediction
February 6, 2013
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the brass band entertainment that is guarenteed to make everyone feel better in Blackpool on the weekend.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — As it happened
February 9, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Norwegian Nationals - as it happened.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Elite Division retrospective
February 14, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back on how an unbreakable desire to remain the champion gave Eikanger their 14th National title in Bergen.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Postcard from Bergen
February 14, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox wonders if the first signs of contesting cynicism are creeping ino the Norwegian banding culture, despite another wonderful event at the Grieghallen in Bergen.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Gallery of the Elite Section action
February 12, 2013
Images of the Elite bands in action in the set work and own choices sections of the National Championships in Bergen this year...
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Gallery of the action at the Grieghallen
February 12, 2013
Images of the 2013 championships through the lens of 4BR Editor Iwan Fox....
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Gallery of the prizewinners
February 12, 2013
Images of the prizewinners in each of the sections at the Norwegian National Championships in Bergen this year.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Introduction to Bergen
February 5, 2013
All roads lead to the Grieghallen in Bergen this weekend - so don't miss the action even if you have to sit in front of your computer for two days...
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Elite Division preview & prediction
February 5, 2013
4BR will be in Bergen to witness brass band contesting in the elemental raw.....
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Elite Division runners & riders
February 5, 2013
10 brilliant bands will battle it out for glory in Bergen on the weekend.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — First Division preview & prediction
February 5, 2013
4BR casts its eye over the 11 bands hoping to make the step up and join the Elite bands in Norway this weekend.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Second Division preview & prediction
February 5, 2013
Another cracking contest in store in the Second Division with 13 well matched bands all hoping to gain another step up the Norwegian promotion ladder.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Third Division preview & prediction
February 5, 2013
There is plenty to look forward to in the Third Division - especially as it may be so difficult to separate the bands out.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Fourth Division preview & prediction
February 5, 2013
As the Fourth Division enters its second decade of competition, the signs are that the Norwegians have got the contest formula right - thanks to plenty of musical ambition.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — Fifth Division preview & prediction
February 5, 2013
Norway continues to build on its latest contesting foundation stone with strength in numbers and musical ambition.
2013 Norwegian Nationals — The Winners: 1979 - 2012
February 5, 2013
Who has won what and when since the Norwegian Nationals started in 1979.
2013 Yeovil Entertainment Contest — Retrospective
February 7, 2013
Daniel Wilmott looks back at a commanding victory for Flowers at an entertainment contest short on numbers but not on quaity at Yeovil.
2013 Yeovil Contest — Octagon preview & prediction
February 1, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the entertainment on offer in Yeovil on the weekend.
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — As it happened
January 20, 2013
All the action from the 2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - as it happened.
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Championship Section retrospective
January 25, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back on a contest which saw Virtuosi GUS start a new contesting winning chapter in their proud history book.
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Gallery
January 25, 2013
Photographer Phil Symonds was out and about enjoying the action from the Championship Section of the Skegness weekend...
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Skegness preview
January 16, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to taking a small step or two towards Skegness this weekend...
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Championship Section: Preview & Prediction
January 16, 2013
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to seeing who will be smiling like a robber the cops can't catch on Sunday night.
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — First Section: Preview & Prediction
January 16, 2013
The winners here may well have to wait for the SS Carpathia to pick them up to take them to the bar for a celebratory drink after this deep sea marathon...
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Second Section: Preview & Prediction
January 16, 2013
Which band will welcome coming to grief in the Second Section - as 18 contenders tackle a bit of Victorian deathly celebration.
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Third Section: Preview & Prediction
January 16, 2013
There may only be a small field in the Third Section but quality always beats quantity...
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Fourth Section: Preview & Prediction
January 16, 2013
Who will get to grips best with the Pennine/Australian mix and match of Goff Richards colourful Saddleworth musical homage?
2013 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Youth & Junior Ensemble: Preview & Prediction
January 16, 2013
Butlins commitment to encouraging the next generation of young brass playes is starting to pay real dividends.
4BR Dinner Guests — Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
January 13, 2013
The Norwegian composer tells 4BR who he would have around his gaff to enjoy debating banding over whale meat and mashed peas washed down by a delicate Riesling wine...
4BR End of Year Reports — The top 20 pupils at the 4BR School
January 5, 2013
The Headmaster has finished writing his 2012 end of year reports on the 20 top ranked pupils in the 4BR sixth form school.
4BR Spotlight Interview — 5 minutes or so with Andrew Stevenson
January 2, 2013
4BR's Malcolm Wood spends a few New Year minutes with Andrew Stevenson, Foden's Youth Band's new Composer in Residence.
The Champions — Who won what in 2012
January 1, 2013
There were a lot of brass band contests in 2012. 4BR provides the definitive list of the bands that took away the victors laurels all over the world.
2012 4BR Awards — The Results
January 7, 2013
The votes have been counted and the 2012 winners can be revealed...
2012 4BR Awards — Introduction & Categories
December 31, 2012
A little later this year, but it gives you a full year to look back on before you vote in the categories to see who you think has been the best of the best in 2012.
2012 4BR Awards — Band of the Year
December 31, 2012
Who do you think should be awarded the accolade of 2012 Band of the Year, after a season in which the major prizes found themselves fairly evenly spread out once again?
2012 4BR Awards — Conductor of the Year
December 31, 2012
Which conductor made the biggest impression on the collective consciousness in 2012? There were hundreds of them plying their trade for certain.
2012 4BR Awards — Player of the Year
December 31, 2012
Which individual performer showed us their brilliance to best effect in 2012?
2012 4BR Awards — CD/DVD of the Year
December 31, 2012
Which recordings made you want to replace anything by X Factor wannabe Rylan on your ipod with a brass band recording during 2012?
2012 4BR Awards — Solo CD of the Year
December 31, 2012
Which solo performer tickled your fancy in 2012 with their latest release?
2012 4BR Awards — Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year
December 31, 2012
So many bands had a 2012 to remember - so which one deserves the accolade as Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year?
2012 4BR Awards — Newcomer of the Year
December 31, 2012
There was plenty of new talent on show in 2012 from players, conductors and bands, to composers, instruments and even new ways of presenting brass band contests.
2012 4BR Awards — Test Piece of the Year
December 31, 2012
Lots and lots of test pieces were performed in 2012 - some better than others it must be said. So which one was the best of the bunch though?
2012 4BR Awards — Contest Performance of the Year
December 31, 2012
Perhaps the most difficult of all the categories to choose the best from? Which contest performance stood out for you in 2012 - and it may not have been a winner.
2012 4BR Awards — 4BR Special Award - Howard Snell
December 31, 2012
In 2012 the 4BR Special Award goes to one of the greatest musicians ever to grace the brass band movement.
