*
banner

City of Chester confirm National opt out

The newly crowned North West Area Fourth Section champions City Chester have confirmed they will not be competing at Cheltenham.

City of Chester
 

The City of Chester Band has officially announced that they will not take part in the Fourth Section National Finals at Cheltenham despite claiming the North West Area title in Blackpool on the weekend.

Forfeited

Under the direction of Philip Mottershead, the band won the contest on the set work, ‘A Devon Fantasy’, but as they had agreed prior to the contest not to sign with the Brass Band Players Registry, they forfeited their opportunity to play at the Finals.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a day of mixed emotions for the band, as conductor Philip Mottershead was making his last appearance with the band.

We are grateful to the North West Regional Committee for allowing bands who remained registered with Brass Bands England, rather than the new Brass Band Players registry, to compete at Blackpool."

They added: "We entered the contest in the full knowledge that, if successful, it was unlikely we could be invited to the National Finals. Rather, the band entered to support the event and to try and achieve an improved grading."

We entered the contest in the full knowledge that, if successful, it was unlikely we could be invited to the National FinalsCity of Chester Band

Promotion

It is understood that after Sunday’s result, the band may be promoted to the Third Section.

Tey concluded: "We send our good wishes to all bands that will be playing in their respective sections in the National Finals in the autumn."

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    


Desford

Desford reaching wider audience following National win

October 16 • The wider public media have been keen to broadcast the news of Desford's memorable National Championship victory.


Yorkshire generation

Yorkshire focus on Next Generation

October 16 • Young players aged 16 and under will be teh focus of a 'Next Generation' day of inclusive music making in York in February.


Emotions

New online brass band platform launched

October 16 • Emotions on Stage will replace the CUBrass website as a leading platform for brass, wind and concert bands.


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe go for a Burton

October 16 • Will Burton is the new solo Eb tuba of Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Oxted Brass Band - Tom Smith (Brighouse & Rastrick)

Saturday 18 October • St John’s, Hurst Green, Kent RH8 9EA


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd