*
banner

Advert: Durham International Festival

There is going to be plenty of brilliant brass on offer at the Durham International Festival in July.

Tony Griffiths
 

The official website for one of Europe's largest celebrations of brass music has gone live this week at www.brassfestival.co.uk

Embracing

The festival, in its 5th year, is embracing technology as the colourful and informative online portal provides people with everything they'd ever need to know about Brass: Durham International Festival.

Lively

BRASS will serve up a lively mixture of international concerts, outdoor events, workshops and exciting one-off music collaborations.

This year's County Durham-wide celebration takes place between 1st-17th July with performers flocking to the North East from as far afield as France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Romania, and USA.

BRASS will serve up a lively mixture of international concerts, outdoor events, workshops and exciting one-off music collaborationsDurham Festival

Revamped

One person who's definitely going to be surfing the newly revamped BRASS website is musician Norman Kennedy.

The 60-year old photocopier engineer has played Bass trombone for Pittington Brass for the past six years.

Norman has lived in Chester-le-Street with wife Bette for over seventeen years and they have two grown up married sons.

Norman's favourite type of brass music is from the Salvation Army repertoire.

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    


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Titles go to Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd