*
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    


British Open

British Open ticket sale date announced

May 22 • The general sale of tickets for the 172nd British Open Championships will open on Friday 29th May.


NYBBGB

New Horizons repeat for NYBBGB on You Tube

May 22 • The concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain featuring the world premiere of 'Victoria Wood: A Laugh Less Ordinary' is now available to enjoy on You Tube.


Wantage

One out of three for Wantage

May 22 • The Welsh Open champion is enjoying the challenge of reaching out to new audiences.


Pershore

Full day of brass entertainment at Pershore

May 22 • The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival takes place on July 4th.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Silk Brass

May 21 • Musical Director. Silk Brass are looking to recruit a suitably experienced person to take on this challenging and exciting position.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd