*
banner

2015 Action Research details announced

All the details of the premier Youth Entertainment Contest that takes place in Blackpool on 8th February have been announced.

Beaumaris win
 

Nine bands will compete at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday 8th February in a bid to be to be crowned the 2015 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Champions of Great Britain.

Defending champion returns

Seindorf Beaumaris Youth led by Gwyn Evans (pictured above) will return to Blackpool to defend their title whilst the newly-crowned Butlins Junior Ensemble winners, Wardle Junior Academy will also be in attendance.

A day at the Opera

This year's event is its 31st year with the contest remaining in The Opera House, the home for the North West Regional Championship Section and the Spring Festival's, Grand Shield.

Experienced judging duo

The judges for the competition will be the experienced duo of Frank Renton and Barrie Chappell. Frank will judge the music element whilst Barrie will focus on the entertainment.

Pre-draws and lunch break

The organiser of the contest, Gary Walczak has informed 4BR that once again, the first three bands have been pre-drawn and notified to aid travelling to Blackpool whilst their will be a lunch break.

Speaking with 4BR Gary was delighted not to just have nine bands competing at the contest but looking forward to what promises to be another great year:

"This dynamic event attracts the Country’s leading Youth bands. Each band presents a feast of music, choreography, costume design, dedication and of course some excellent musicianship.

The whole day is an exhibition of young brass and percussion players performing their exciting and at times intoxicating programmes, often pushing back the barriers of convention. This is a memorable day’s entertainment not to be missed".

Grab your wristband for extra entertainment

Wristbands to the event will also entitle visitors to discounts at top Blackpool attractions like the, the Tower Dungeons and Illuminasia allowing visitors the complete Blackpool entertainment experience. Tickets will be available to purchase in advance at the Winter Gardens and the Tourist Information box Office.

Pre-results entertainment

Prior to announcing the results and which band will receive an invitation to perform at Brass in Concert in November, a selection of musicians from The Band of the Kings Division, will perform a short concert.

The competing bands:

Egglescliffe School Brass Band (Matthew Haworth)
Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison)
Enderby Youth Band (Trevor Hounsome)
Houghton Area Youth Band (Brian Adams)
Macclesfield Youth Brass Band (Louise Renshaw)
Rochdale Borough Youth Band (Steve Walsh)
Seindorf Beaumaris Youth Band (Gwyn M. Evans)
Wardle Academy Junior Band (Gwen Smith)
Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans)

The defending champion, Seindorf Beaumaris Youth will return to Blackpool to defend their title 4BR

Ticket details

The start time for the contest is 10.30am with the doors opening at 9.00am.

The ticket prices are as follows: Adults £9:00 (wristband colour: yellow) OAP £7.00 (yellow) Children under 16 £5:00 (green), with a family ticket available @ £30 for 2 Adults and 2 Children (mix of yellow and green).

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Chris Wormald

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd