*
banner

ABBA issue support for Open judges

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has issued a statement of support to the British Open judges.

ABBA
 

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has issued a statement of support to the three judges at the British Open at the weekend.

The statement through Chairman Derek Broadbent follows comments made by Steven Mead, conductor of the Whitburn Band on his website entitled, 'Time for Change', in which he asks a number of questions over current adjudication standards.

...we wish to make it known that ABBA are fully supportive of the experience, ability, and professionalism of the adjudicators who judged at the British Open Championships in BirminghamABBA

Statement

The statement reads: "Further to a recent statement issued by the Chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, we wish to make it known that ABBA are fully supportive of the experience, ability, and professionalism of the adjudicators who judged at the British Open Championships in Birmingham on Saturday, September 12th.

The reason for a supposed meeting, yet to be arranged with Steven Mead, is to take issue with certain statements made in his article."

Derek M. Broadbent
Chairman the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Podcast

4BR British Open preview podcast

September 9 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions this evening at 7.00pm ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Sphere success

British Open Countdown: T minus 3

September 9 • The form guide for the bookies on who has previously tasted success on 'Music of the Spheres' doesn't give much away...


York Barbican

Wobplay video recordings to be made at York National Finals

September 8 • Full video recordings will be made of all the performances at the forthcoming York Barbican National Finals.


Sydney City

British Open Countdown: T minus 4

September 8 • Sydney City Brass is the latest Australian band to try an emulate their remarkable predecessors in winning the famous British Open Gold Shield.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


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


Chinnor Silver

September 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (14th) at 11am in our bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities who wish to join us in a relaxed friendly rehearsal.. It also involves tea and cake and its free to all..


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd