*
banner

Last call for Santa's contest pay day

There are just five places up for grabs if you want to have the chance of dipping into Santa's contesting prize sack...

Santas
 

The popular Whiston Brass Festival has put out a last Christmas Call for bands wishing to take part in their innovative new contest event in December.

Christmas Cracker

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.

And the contest organizers have made the promise that Santa will be bringing plenty of prize money to bands that enter into the musical festive spirit.

Relaxed rules

With relaxed rules on presentation (you can use anything from singers to reindeer 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: “We just need five bands to complete our line-up for a contest that 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.

Prizes

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

More information:

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

For more information go to: 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    


Sydney City

British Open Countdown: T minus 4

September 8 • Sydney City Brass is the latest Australian band to try an emulate their remarkable predecessors in winning the famous British Open Gold Shield.


Nationals

Churcher steps down from MD role at Camborne

September 8 • Dr Gareth Churcher has taken the decision to step down as Musical Director at Camborne


Milnrow

Milnrow to replace Tredegar at Brass in Concert

September 8 • Grand Shield champion takes place of Welsh contender at Brass in Concert.


yOUTH

Brass Bands England unable to offer BOPA service from 2027

September 8 • The Department for Education confirms BBE's National Body of Personal Approval will end in April 2027.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd