*
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    


Sage

2025 Brass in Concert Championship draws confirmed

May 13 • The draws for the Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships were made in Stavanger.


EBBA

New additions to EBBA Music Commission

May 13 • Ben Haemhouts and Katrina Marzella-Wheeler take new roles with EBBA's Music Commission.


swiss

Swiss winners enjoy Geneva trip to Stavanger

May 13 • A trio of fast paced Valaisia Brass Band supporters made sure they bagged a brace of combi-tickets for the main event at the European Championships.


Rob Hanson

King's Award for Enterprise for John Packer Ltd

May 13 • The UK-based musical instrument manufacturer, distributor and retailer, has been presented with the King's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category for the second time.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Newstead Brass

May 12 • Newstead Brass is looking to recruit a PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our ambitious and hardworking Championship Section band.. . With an exciting schedule ahead, this is a rare chance to join our ranks as we look to achieve further success as a team.


Lofthouse2000 Brass Band

May 12 • Lofthouse are currently recruiting for Kit, Bass (Bb & Eb), Baritone, Bass Trombone and Cornets. We are a 3rd section contesting band with regular concerts and events throughout the year and would love to fill our happy team with keen players.


Petworth Town Band

May 12 • Petworth Town. Band have vacancies for CORNETS and TUBA. We are an enthusiastic non contesting band with a thriving list of concerts and engagements throughout the year and are led by our passionate and inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd