*
banner

The BBC is looking for brass bands!

Radio 3 no less is looking for brass bands to celebrate the musical riches of 'light music'.

 

BBC Radio 3 is on the hunt for community brass bands, wind bands, choirs, any strictly amateur or voluntary ensemble, in fact, to be a part of weekend festival celebrating the riches of British 'Light Music'.

'Light Fantastic' is a participatory festival with a central focus around light orchestral music.

The focus is a weekend of events around the country and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 (24th — 27th June), which the BBC hopes will bring it closer to its audience.

'Light Fantastic' is a participatory festival with a central focus around light orchestral music4BR

Applications

The BBC is inviting applications from amateur ensembles to take part in BBC recording events across the UK — in Glasgow (5 June), Manchester (25/26 June), Cardiff (21/22 May), Exeter (5 June) and London (21/22 May).

Recordings may be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 in the context of Light Fantastic.

Full details

You can find full details of how to apply, with terms and conditions and the closing date for applications and also other ways to get involved by visiting the website www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/classical/lightfantastic or by emailing direct to radio3lightfantastic@bbc.co.uk

Ensembles

There are also opportunities for ensembles to submit their own recordings for consideration.

Full details about making a suitable recording are to be found on the Making Music website at www.makingmusic.co.uk

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    


Rochdale contest

Results: 2026 Rochdale Contest

October 25 • Own choice victories for Unite the Union, Dobcross Silver, Littleborough Brass and St. John's (Mossley) as Kidlington book their Spring Festival place.


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd