*
banner

Open boosted by ticket demand

People have been taking old Fred Pontins mantra to heart and have been booking early for their seat for the 162nd British Open.

Symphony Hall
 

The attraction of an eagerly anticipated set work and one of the strongest ranked fields ever to take to the stage at Symphony Hall has boosted ticket sales for the 162nd British Open Championship which takes place in Birmingham on Saturday 6th September.

Sales up

Organisers have confirmed that current sales for the event are already up on 2013, which in itself proved to be one of the most popular contests of recent years, and with a slightly earlier starting time the organisers hope that the hall will once see high levels of audience support for each of the 17 competing bands.

Delighted

"We are delighted at the level of early ticket sales," a British Open spokesperson told 4BR.

"The test piece, ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’ has certainly created a great deal of interest and we are sure that it will be an outstanding contesting day with such a strong line up of competing bands."

They added: "Our thanks go once again to the bands who we have worked closely with over the last few weeks and we would remind everyone that the contest will start at 10.00am this year."

British Open test piece preview

Reigning British Open champion Tredegar will also preview the defence of its title an eve of British Open Concert promoted by British Bandsman magazine, which will see them perform 'Vita Aerterna Variations' by Alexander Comitas.

'Vita Aeterna Variations' has certainly created a great deal of interest and we are sure that it will be an outstanding contesting day with such a strong line up of competing bandsBritish Open

Preview Concert tickets:

Tickets (priced £14.95) for the concert, which will take place at the Adrian Boult Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire at 7.30pm on Friday 5th September, are available now from:
www.birmingham-box.co.uk/¬¬event/¬¬tredegar-town-band-in-concert/ or by calling the Box Office on 0121 245 4455.

British Open tickets:

To book tickets for the 162nd British Open go to:
http://www.thsh.co.uk/whats-on/2014/09/06

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    


Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Blidworth

Result: 2026 NEMBBA Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Blidworth Welfare takes the entertainment honours in Darley Dale.


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

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


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone . .


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd