*
banner

Encouraging entry for Northern Open

37 bands line up for the Northern Open later this month in St Helens.

 

There is an encouraging field of entrants for the Northern Open Brass Band Championships that are due to take place on the 21st November at the Theatre Royal in St Helens.

Podium finishers

37 bands have confirmed their entry to the event, which sees podium finishers in each own choice section pick up prizes of £400, £200 and £100.

Welcome sponsorship of the event now comes from Brian Halliwell of R. Banks & Son.

The combined Championship event has attracted 10 entrants led by 2010 Senior Trophy winners Beaumaris, all trying to impress adjudicator Ian Brownbill.

The combined Championship event has attracted 10 entrants led by 2010 Senior Trophy winners Beaumaris, all trying to impress adjudicator Ian Brownbill4BR

Roses

The Second Section has attracted 9 competitors, with plenty of cross border 'Roses' rivalry sure to make for a keenly fought contest, whilst 7 strong bands battle for the Third Section title by trying to impress adjudicator Mike Hughes.

11 well matched bands have entered the Fourth Section, which starts the day off on the stroke of 9.00am.

Competing bands:

Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Ian Brownbill

Beaumaris – Gwyn Williams
Blackpool Brass – Roy Waite
Co-operative Band (Crewe) – Jef Sparkes
Drighlington – Jim Davies
Hade Edge – Simon Wood
Hammonds Saltaire – Morgan Griffiths
Hebden Bridge – Roy Cuuran
Kippax – David Lancaster
Longridge – Mark Peacock
Thoresby Colliery – Huw Thomas


Second Section:
Adjudicator: Ian Brownbill

Besses o’ th’ Barn – James Holt
City of Bradford Brass – Lee Skipsey
Dobcross Silver – Grenville Moore
Flixton – Steve Curtis
Greenall’s – Karl Stott
Haydock – Mark Quinn
Hoover Bolton – Trevor Halliwell
Old Hall Brass – John North
Tyldesley – Rob Taylor


Third Section:
Adjudicator: Mike Hughes

Besses Boys – James Holt
Blackley – Adrian Smith
Crofton Silver – Tim Sidwell
Delph – Phil Goodwin
Farnworth & Walkden – Peter Ashley
Formby – Louise Hough
Yorks Railway Institute – Gordon Eddison


Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Mike Hughes

Boarshurst Silver – David Ashworth
City of Chester Brass – Phil Mottershead
Deeside Silver – Chris Barnes
Ellenbrook & Boothstown – Matthew Sale
Fairfield (Buxton) – Charles Kitchen
Golborne – Jason Smith
Littleborough Public Brass – Adrian Woodhead
Nelson Brass – Steve Brodie
Par Band – John Ludden
Rivington & Adlington – Malcolm Wilson
Tarleton Brass – Barry Taylor

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    


British Open

British Open ticket sale date announced

May 22 • The general sale of tickets for the 172nd British Open Championships will open on Friday 29th May.


NYBBGB

New Horizons repeat for NYBBGB on You Tube

May 22 • The concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain featuring the world premiere of 'Victoria Wood: A Laugh Less Ordinary' is now available to enjoy on You Tube.


Wantage

One out of three for Wantage

May 22 • The Welsh Open champion is enjoying the challenge of reaching out to new audiences.


Pershore

Full day of brass entertainment at Pershore

May 22 • The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival takes place on July 4th.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Silk Brass

May 21 • Musical Director. Silk Brass are looking to recruit a suitably experienced person to take on this challenging and exciting position.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd