*
banner

World Rankings: October update

Historic double sends Foden's to the top of the rankings.

Foden's in action at the RAH
 

Foden’s returns to the rankings top spot for the first time in eight years following completion of the band’s historic ‘double’ of British Open and National titles in London last weekend, and looks to have a very good chance of retaining the coveted number one position at the end of the year.

Top 10 bands 1. Foden's 2. Black Dyke 3. Cory 4. Brighouse & Rastrick 5. Fairey 6. Tredegar 7. Leyland 8. Grimethorpe 9. Co-operative Funeralcare 10. Tongwynlais Temperance

Black Dyke’s disappointing 9th place at the Royal Albert Hall means it can’t unseat Foden’s, but Cory’s appearance at November’s Brass in Concert Championship gives the Welsh band a fighting chance finishing as the world’s leading contesting band for the sixth year in succession.

Early indications are that a top-two finish there should be enough, but there will be plenty of fine bands there trying to stop the 2008 champion!

The other contests held since the last update were:

New South Wales Championships — won by St. Mary's Band Club;
Exmouth Festival of Brass — won by St. Pinnock;
Hardraw Scar — won by Hade Edge;
Welsh Miners Welfare — won by Melingriffith (City of Cardiff) 2;
Doctor Martin Trust Entertainment Contest — won by Reg Vardy;
Wychavon Festival — won by Tredegar;
Dronfield Contest — won by Dronfield;
Swiss Open — won by Treize Etoiles;
Cornish Brass Band Championships — won by St. Dennis;
SCABA — Crawley — won by Wantage Silver 'A';
West Wales Festival — won by Burry Port;
Fleetwood Contest — won by Rainford;
Fife Charities — won by Unison Kinneil;
Bolsover Festival of Brass — won by EYMS;
Pogson Bray — won by Clifton and Lightcliffe;
Northern Ireland Championships — won by 1st Old Boys Association Silver.

To view all the ranked bands, go to:

www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

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    


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


Peter Moore

Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London

January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.


Philip Jones

Philip Jones celebration in London

January 12 • Leading student brass ensembles will celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic trumpet player Philip Jones.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd