*
banner

Great turn out for Torquay contest

There is a fine entry of 34 bands for the forthcoming SWBBA Contest in Torquay.

Smiles in Torqauy
 

The 66th South West Brass Band Association Championships will be held on Saturday 3rd November at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay.

Action

The action kicks off at 10.00am and continues through until mid evening, with plenty of great music for the judges John Berryman and Paul Holland, as well as the audience to enjoy.

The Association has told 4BR that an excellent entry of 34 bands will compete in the seven sections and that the event will be welcoming competitors from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and South Wales.

Youth bands

The innovative approach of the organisers also means that four Youth Bands and two Training Bands will also take part.

An Association spokesperson told 4BR: "The presentation of awards will be made by the two Life Associate Members, Sue Richards and Bert Buzza."

The Championships are unique as no monetary awards have ever been made to the winning bands, which dispels the cry from some quarters for more and bigger prize moneyOrganisers

Loyalty

They added: "The Championships are unique as no monetary awards have ever been made to the winning bands, which dispels the cry from some quarters for more and bigger prize money, and the Association is extremely proud that it’s member and guest bands continue to show such loyalty."

Tickets

All-day tickets available on the day at only £7 (with concessions).
Further information available from the Association's Secretary Brian Elliott on: telephone — 01752 892056/07966522091 or
brian@swbba.fsnet.co.uk

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd