*
banner

Bolsover draws announced

The draws for the forthcoming Bolsover Festival of Brass have been announced.

Bolsover Festival of Brass
 

The organisers of the popular Bolsover Festival of Brass contest have released the draws for each of the sections for the event which takes place on the weekend of the 6th& 7th October.

Two day festival

The two day festival event, based at the Shirebrook Leisure Centre, kicks off on Saturday 6th at 3.30pm with the Charity Entertainment Contest, which sees reigning champions Ransome Re-united Band up against rivals from The (original) City of Coventry Band, Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills Brass Band, and a re-union band of ex Desford players.

The friendly competition supports the James Watson Memorial Trust, set up by the Watson family following the great trumpet player’s death in 2011.

Challenge Trophy

Each band will perform a 30 minute entertainment programme with Philip Sparke and Alan Wycherley adjudicating to see which re-union band can reclaim former glories and walk away to the bar to celebrate with the Challenge Trophy!

New award

A new addition to the silverware this year will see the presentation of the James Watson Memorial Shield presented by Carole Crompton to the best soloist of the day.

Carole told 4BR: "The idea of the re-union contest has been a huge success.

It’s hoped we can raise further money for the charity through ticket sales and by staging a re-union dinner following the contest where everyone can come together, socialise and reminisce about days gone by whilst enjoying a good meal and a pint or three!"

The idea of the re-union contest has been a huge successCarole Crompton

Donations

Any donations for this event can be made by sending a cheque made out to Bolsover District Council, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover, Chesterfield Derbyshire, S44 6NF with a covering note to say that the cheque is for the Bolsover Festival of Brass Charity event.

All donations will be gratefully received. The re-union dinner is also supporting the charity and will cost £12 per head.

Re-union Contest draw:

1. Ransome Band (TBA)
2. City of Coventry (Ian Johnson)
3. Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills Band (Russell Gray)
4. Desford Re-union Band (Paul Cosh)

Sunday Festival Contest

Meanwhile the main Festival of Brass contest is scheduled to commence at 10.00am on Sunday 7th October at Heritage High School, Boughton Lane, Clowne, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S43 4QG, where 35 bands will be taking part.

20 minute programme

Each band will perform a 20 minute programme (first note to last note).

Entry is by ticket available on the door costing £5, concessions £3.
The adjudicators are Philip Sparke and Ian Porthouse.

Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Ian Porthouse

1. Hade Edge (Simon Wood)
2. City of Coventry (Alwyn Green)
3. Thoresby Colliery (David Purkiss)
4. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
5. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
6. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)
7. Skelmanthorpe (John Roberts)


First Section:
Adjudicator: Ian Porthouse

1. South Yorkshire Police (Leigh Baker)
2. Blidworth Welfare (Martin Heartfield)
3. Stannington (TBA)
4. Hatfield (Graham O'Connor)


Second Section:
Adjudicator: Philip Sparke

1. Strata Brass (David Holling)
2. Durham Miners Association (David Hirst)
3. Shirebrook Miners Welfare Unison (Mark Wilcockson)
4. Barnsley Chronicle (Grenville Moore)
5. Matlock (Andrew Dennis)
6. Waterbeach (David Minchin)


Third Section:
Adjudicator: Ian Porthouse

1. Thurcroft Welfare (Garry Hallas)
2. Rolls Royce Derby (Graham Cardwell)
3. Hucknall & Linby MC (Paul Whyley)
4. Dronfield CMW (Graham O'Connor)
5. Croft Silver (Ian Needham)


Fourth Section:
Adjudicator Philip Sparke

1. Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield) (Ian Knapton)
2. Kirkby Colliery (Steve Berrill)
3. Newhall (Kevin Holdgate)
4. Ilkeston Brass (David Jones)
5. Deepcar (Lindon Bolt)
6. Melton (Graham Sutton)
7. Market Rasen (Resdev) (Alan Needham)
8. Littleborough (Adrian Woodhead)


Un-Registered Section:
Adjudicator: Philip Sparke

1. Loxley Silver (Lee Dunkley)

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    


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Derwent Brass

Results: 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass

November 1 • Derwent Brass leads the entertainment prize winners in Evesham, with section titles for Fulham Brass, Staines Brass, Avonbank (Evesham) and Arrow Valley Brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

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


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


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd