*
banner

Dyke gain double Euro boost

A retrospective qualification change by Brass Bands England means Black Dyke has booked its place at the European Championships of 2015 and 2016...

Black Dyke celebrate
 

Brass Bands England has announced a retrospective change in the qualification process to help enable English bands to participate in future European Brass Band Championships.

Following detailed consultation it is hoped that the new process will bring the English qualification process into comparable line with that currently undertaken in Wales and Scotland.

2015 & 2016

Black Dyke’s 2014 National Championship win will now see the band qualify to compete as English representatives at the 2016 European Championship, although it has been confirmed by BBE that the band has also agreed to accept the existing invitation to compete at the 2015 event in Freiburg.

The decision also means that if Black Dyke should win the 2015 European title, an additional invitation to compete in 2016 will be offered to Brighouse & Rastrick, who were the second highest placed English band at the recent 2014 National Finals.

Detrimental

BBE Chairman Mike Kilroy told 4BR: "It came to our notice that giving the qualifying band just over six months to prepare for the European Championships could be detrimental both to the band and its chances of success at the event.

Using the £5,000 commission offered by BBE to its best advantage could also be problematic within this time frame.

Following consultations with other interested parties, we therefore wish to clarify that from now on the band qualifying to represent England will do so 18 months later and not six."

It came to our notice that giving the qualifying band just over six months to prepare for the European Championships could be detrimental both to the band and its chances of success at the eventMike Kilroy

Agreed

He continued: "We are therefore delighted that Black Dyke has agreed to represent England at both the 2015 and 2016 European events. The 2015 English Champion will then receive an invitation to the 2017 European Championship and so on.

Should an English band win the European title and therefore receive a direct invitation the following year, the second placed English band at the previous year’s National Final will receive an invitation.

Brighouse & Rastrick will therefore be eligible for the 2016 contest in the event of Black Dyke becoming European Champion in 2015."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


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


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) 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.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd