*
banner

British Open Solo & Quartet Championship

The British Open Solo and Quartet Championships will take place at Dukinfield Town Hall, Tameside on Sunday 1st November.

Tameside
 

Promoted by The British Open and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, there are still a few spaces available in this year’s categories.

Entries

Prospective competitors are urged to send in their entries as soon as possible.

Prizes

The winners of the prestigious British Open titles in all five sections will share £4,000 worth of prizes on offer. The winner of the Senior Solo Championship will receive expenses to compete in the 2010 Ern Keller International Soloist of the Year competition in Australia.

The winners of the prestigious British Open titles in all five sections will share £4,000 worth of prizes on offer4BR

Catagories

There are five categories:


Open Solo Championship:

Run in two parts, there will be a qualifying contest where the first six are invited to compete in the grand final.

This qualifying contest will also decide who will become the British Open Soprano/Cornet, Flugel/Horn, Baritone/Euphonium, Trombone and Bass Champions.

This competition is with piano accompanist, which is provided if required by regulars Roddy Barrand and David Jones.


Senior Quartet Championship:

Quartet parties should be bona fide members of the same band. The first place in this section will become the British Open Champions.


Intermediate Slow Melody Championship: (without piano accompanist)

This section is for competitors who must be under the age of seventeen. The section is also run in two parts; a qualifying contest where the first five will be invited to compete in a grand final to decide the British Open Champion.


Junior Slow Melody Championship: (without piano accompanist)

This section is for competitors who must be under the age of twelve.

Depending on the number of entries (ten or more), a qualifying contest will take place where the first five will be invited to compete in a grand final to decide the British Open Champion.

All competitors in this section receive certificates.


Junior Quartet Championship:

Quartet parties must be bona fide members of the same band and must be under the age of seventeen.

The first place in this section will become the British Open Champions.

Last years winners, Glen Van Looy (British Open Solo Champion) and Charlotte Heaven (Intermediate Champion) have both agreed to defend their titles.


Illness

Regrettably the Australian Ern Keller representative, Bruce Myers, is unable to attend due to illness. The organisers wish him a speedy recovery and extend an invitation for him to compete next year along with the 2010 Ern Keller representative.

The adjudicators for this year are: Dr Nicholas Childs, Michael Fowles, Jason Katsikaris, Kevin Wadsworth and Thomas Wyss.

Further information:

Entry forms and further information can be obtained from Frank Hodges on 01942703217 or mobile 07930562768, or you can download an entry form from:- 4bars rest.com or thebritishopen.net

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    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


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


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd