*
banner

Open and Spring Festival opt for new procedure

The organisers of the British Open and Spring Festival will implement its own contest registration procedures this year.

Symphony Hall
 

The organisers of the British Open Championships have revealed that they will be undertaking a new registration procedure.

It is hoped that the new system will also initiate a much more open debate over registration issues for the Spring Festival and British Open Contests, with the aim of eventually stopping confusion over the eligibility of players taking part in both events.

Debate

In this respect, conductors, Band Managers, bandsmen, contest organisers and other interested parties are asked to contact Frank Hodges at the contact address and details below.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We apologise for any uncertainty and confusion caused to the bands that support our contests.

It is a matter of regret that the confusion following the breakdown of the central registration system has caused uncertainty and inconvenience. Consequently, the British Open and Spring Festival will, until further notice, implement the following procedure."

Player eligibility

In order to register your players with us for all British Open Contests, individual player’s details must be entered correctly on the player information sheet provided.

The sheet should be returned to the contest controller at least one week before the date of the contest. Any subsequent amendments, can be made prior to and on the day of the contest.

For the purpose of the contest, the Contest Controller will agree directly with each band the legitimacy within the contest rules of all individual participants entered onto the player information sheet.

On the contest day, each player is kindly required to bring with them a form of personal identification (driving licence or other form of photographic identification. Third party registration cards are acceptable as a means of personal identification only).

We wish to thank everyone for their understanding and co-operation.

The above replaces British Open rules 3, 10, 10a, 10b and 11 until further notice and any other notifications.

The organisers of the British Open welcome any constructive suggestions which will always be considered."

the Contest Controller will agree directly with each band the legitimacy within the contest rules of all individual participants entered onto the player information sheetorganisers

Contact:

Frank Hodges, 39 Broxton Avenue, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8NP
Telephone 01942 703217 Mobile 07930 562 768
Email frankhodges@btinternet.com

www.thebritishopen.net

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    


British Open

2026 Spring Festival test-pieces and judges announced

September 20 • The trio of works and the judges in the Grand Shield, Senior Cup and Senior Trophy have been confirmed by the Mortimer family.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Epping Forest Band

September 20 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Trombone Vacancy!. Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley seeks trombone players! Supportive, sociable band. Rehearsals Mon & Wed 19:45-21:45 at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY. Instrument can be provided


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Soprano Cornet Vacancy!. We're a Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley with a soprano cornet seat available! Fun, friendly group. Rehearsals Mon & Wed, 19:45-21:45 at at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY.. Instrument can be provided


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd