*
banner

Christmas Crackers set for big pay outs

A new contest with a difference is set to appeal to all those with a festive spirit — especially with Santa giving out big prize prezzies.

Santas
 

The popular Whiston Brass Festival will be hosting an innovative new contest event in December with the promise of Santa bringing plenty of prize money to bands that enter into the musical festive spirit.

Christmas theme

The Winter Wonderland ‘Brass Christmas Cracker’ contest will be held at the magnificent Magna Science Park in Rotherham, and will be open to bands of all levels, with the only stipulation being that they have to provide a Christmas themed entertainment programme.

Relaxed rules

With relaxed rules on presentation (you can use anything from singers to reindeers if you can get your hands on them) the organisers hope to encourage a family orientated atmosphere full of festive fun — with a first prize of £1,200 for the band that tickles the fancy most!

Entertainment

A spokesperson told 4BR: “The contest will be adjudicated with the emphasis on presentation and entertainment, rather than purely on musical or technical ability.

We want the bands to present to the general public a Christmas Concert programme which is innovative, captures the imagination and is attention grabbing, new and refreshing.

With prizes of £1,200, £800, £600 and £400 up for grabs, there is a real opportunity for an early contest prezzie from Santa.”

With relaxed rules on presentation (you can use anything from singers to reindeers if you can get your hands on them) the organisers hope to encourage a family orientated atmosphere full of festive fun4BR

More information:

The contest will sit side by side with festive shopping, food and exclusive seasonal entertainment.

For more information go to: http://www.brasschristmascracker.com

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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


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


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.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd