*
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    


mELTON

Mr Carson returns to lead Melton

June 14 • The actor behind two iconic film figures took to the baton with Melton Band...


Band Camp

Still time to get your camping gear on

June 14 • If you want to enjoy a six-day Band Camp with the team from UniBrass, then sign up and you get a bucket hat too!


Imogen Whitehead

Interview with Imogen Whitehead

June 11 • 4BR catches up with the trumpet and flugel soloist ahead of her appearances at the Ryedale Festival — which includes the world premiere of a new flugel concerto with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.


Open

Demand high for British Open tickets

June 11 • Tickets for the 2026 British Open are being snapped up well ahead of the event in September.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 13 • We are looking for a Bb TUBA player to join our friendly,enthusiastic,progressive 1st section band.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday and held in our own bandroom.. We have a varied but realistic calendar planned with possible overseas trip in 2027


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

June 12 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are currently looking for a flugel horn player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting band, with a busy schedule of contests and engagements coming up throughout the year.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd