*
banner

National judges announced

The team of judges for London and Cheltenham have been announced...

RAH
 

Kapitol Promotions Ltd has announced an intriguing mix of adjudicators for this year’s National Finals at Cheltenham and London

Debuts

The familiar presence in the box at the Royal Albert Hall of the banding world’s leading adjudicator David Read MBE will be enhanced by two debutantes.

Rob Wiffen, the former conductor of the Sun Life Band and Professor of Conducting at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and Belgian composer and conductor Luc Vertommen will form an eclectic trio casting their opinions over the 20 performances of Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s ‘Breath of Souls’ on October 15th

The familiar presence in the box at the Royal Albert Hall of the banding world’s leading adjudicator David Read MBE will be enhanced by two debutantes4BR

Four sets in Cheltenham

Meanwhile, there will be four sets of judges at Cheltenham Racecourse’s Centaur venue on the weekend of 24th/25th Sptember.

The experienced duo of John Berryman and Malcolm Brownbill will be the men to impress in the First Section, whilst two musical virtuosi in Steve Sykes and Roger Webster are charged with picking a winner in the Second Section.

Two leading young conductors in Philip Harper and Paul Holland will sit in judgement in the Third Section, whilst the experienced pairing of Stan Lippeatt and Barry Thompson get make the decisions in the Fourth Section.

Adjudicators:

Championship Section: David Read, Rob Wiffen, Luc Vertommen

Section 1: John Berryman & Malcolm Brownbill
Section 2: Steve Sykes & Roger Webster
Section 3: Philip Harper & Paul Holland
Section 4: Stan Lippeatt & Barry Thompson

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    


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


Antwerp Brass

New band formed after Festival Brass spilt

May 30 • Antwerp Brass has been formed after a major split from former Belgian champion Festival Brass after their European Championship appearance in Linz — led by Guy Audenaert and Harmen Vanhoorne.


Russell Gray

Conductors enjoy Gray and Black inspiration

May 30 • Russell Gray and Stuart Black take the lead on the Scotsman's latest conducting course.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

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


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

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


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd