Interview with Hannah Caraker
June 28
4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.
Godalming's Good Life tribute
June 30 • The Godlaming Band has paid its tribute to actor Dame Penelope Keith — a proactive supporter of the band.
Glover enjoys Castleton concert memory
June 30 • Grimethorpe's solo euphonium recently enjoyed a trip to Suffolk — so much so, he will return again.
Death of Susan Thomas
June 30 • The death has been reported of one of the most respected Welsh brass band musicians.
Radio: Touch of Brass
June 30 • More great music with more than a hint of trombones this week from presenters Martin and Julie.
Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown
June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.
Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open
June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.
Atherton adds to Rath artist roster
June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.
Brass bands regain Parliamentary voice
June 27 • The setting up of a new All Party Parliamentary Group for Brass Banding gives brass bands a specific voice of support in Westminster.
The Fenlands: Soli Brass
£7.05
LSO Live: Holst & Bax (Sir Antonio Pappano)
£15.50£13.17
Still Glides the Stream
£11.50
Remembering Trevor Austin
June 24 • A year ago today, Trevor Austin, the widely admired and respected founder of Rosehill Instruments passed away aged 94. In his eulogy, his younger son, Paul, shared his fondest memories of working with his father - a man who touched many musical lives.
4BR Review - Episode 19
June 19 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas casts their opinions on the recent Elgar International Festival of Brass plus lates CDs, books, events and LPs
4BR Review - Episode 18
May 21 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas are joined by Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh to discuss how the wider musical world perceives the banding movement, and what we must do to reinvigorate our artistic vision.
4BR Review - Episode 17
May 11 • Iwan and Chris look at the wider contest issues that have arisen from the recent European Championships in Linz and Spring Festival in Birmingham.
Sponsored Content: Rrrrrosehill!: Remembering Trevor Austin
June 24 • A year on from Trevor's death, Rosehill Instruments reflects on the legacy of its founder in the banding world.
Nordic investment funds: Musical dividends paid to young and old
June 11 • Long term investment and inspirational leadership has seen a brass band playing renaissance in one small part of Norway.
Hey Diggle, Diggle: 2026 Whit Friday images
June 5 • Well known brass band photographer John Stirzaker enjoyed the Whit Friday music making at Diggle through the lens of his camera...
Opinion debate: The luck of the draw or data driven evidence?
May 18 • Is it a myth that the winning of a contest can in part be down to the luck of the draw, or does new research add statistical substance to back up the belief?
Kathleen Gaspoz has been drilling into the stats to back her opinion.
LP review: Hammer of the North
June 29 • In 1988 the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain provided a thumping endorsement of its musical ethos.
Concert: the cooperation band & The Wallace Collection
June 27 • An authentic musical monument to Giovanni Gabrieli and John Wallace is brought to spectacular life in Orkney.
CD review: Time Pieces
June 25 • Andrew McMillan adds to the Scottish export drive with a release of refreshing ambition.
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flowers | 1,159.01 |
| 2 | Valaisia Brass Band | 838.74 |
| 3 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 768.39 |
| 4 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 765.01 |
| 5 | Brass Band Treize Etoiles | 741.42 |
| 6 | Cory | 714.36 |
| 7 | Foden's | 647.08 |
| 8 | Brass Band Willebroek | 587.55 |
| 9 | Tredegar | 547.92 |
| 10 | Black Dyke | 506.62 |
Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band
Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH
Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band
Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective
Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band
Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD
Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF
Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ
Marconi Brass
June 30 • We are a friendly, ambitious Second Section band in Rochester, aiming for promotion to the First Section under MD Jonathan Crowhurst. We have a busy concert calendar across Kent and are seeking a BBb Bass and two Cornet players (positions negotiable).
Cambrian Brass
June 29 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.
Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band
June 29 • PERCUSSIONIST: DRUM KIT - Nottinghamshire based 1st section band. We are a youthful, welcoming band and would love to hear from you. We rehearse Thursday evenings and have a well balanced schedule of concerts and competitions.
Andreas Kratz
Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher