*
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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd