*
banner

Sponsorship boost for Northern Open

One of the brass band movement's great benefactors helps to secure Northern Open with sponsorship deal.

 

4BR has been informed that sponsorship has again been secured for the Northern Open Championships to be held in St Helens in November.

Popular

Organisers have announced that the popular championship, which have been held for 32 consecutive years, will again be sponsored by R Banks and Son (Funerals) Ltd, courtesy of managing director Brian Halliwell.

The event will be held on Sunday, November 18th in the Theatre Royal, St Helens, and will be run by the Rainford Band. The day will see four sections, with own choice test pieces in each.

Delighted

Contest organiser Frank Hodges told 4BR: "We are delighted that we have been able to secure the continued sponsorship of Brian Halliwell. His commitment to the banding movement is well known and it is thanks to him that we have been able to stage these Championships in recent years."

Frank added: "These Championships are among the best-supported in the contesting calendar and regularly attract a high quality field. We anticipate another good entry in November and I would urge bands to obtain an entry form and schedule as soon as possible."

Brian Halliwell's commitment to the banding movement is well known and it is thanks to him that we have been able to stage these Championships in recent yearsFrank Hodges

First class

The chairman of Rainford Band, Paul Rigby added: "We have been privileged to help organise the event for more than 30 years. Over that time they have earned the reputation for first class organisation and have always produced a great contesting day.

From the inquiries we have already had it looks like this year will be just as strongly supported and we look forward to another excellent contest day."

Entry:

Bands wishing to enter can obtain a contest schedule and entry form from:

Frank Hodges
39 Broxton Avenue
Orrell
Wigan
WN58NP

Telephone: 01942 703217

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    


sage

Result: 2026 Brass in Concert Championship

November 14 • the cooperation band retains the premier entertainment title in Gateshead


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd