*
banner

Open runners & riders confirmed

The list of competing bands and their conductors taking part in this year's British Open at Symphony Hall in Birmingham has been confirmed.

British Open
 

The line up of bands and conductors that will compete at the 163rd British Open Championship at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on September 5th has been released by the organisers.

First time

Reigning champion Black Dyke will be joined by 17 rivals — including for the first time a band from Europe in the form of 2014 European Champion, Brass Band Bugermusik Luzern to see who will lift the famous Gold Shield after performing 'Reflections on Swan Lake' by Stephen Roberts.

People are being reminded that there are now just over 150 tickets all within the Grand Tier left for the contest.

Competing bands:

Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas J. Childs)
Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)
Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Phillip McCann)
Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay)
Cory (Philip Harper)
Desford Colliery (Leicestershire Miners Trust Fund) (Tom Davoren)
Fairey (Prof Garry Cutt)
Flowers (Paul Holland)
Foden's (Allan Withington)
Grimethorpe Colliery (Dr Robert Childs)
Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
Kirkintilloch (Russell Gray)
Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
Milnrow (Mark Bentham)
Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
Woodfalls (Erik Janssen)

Ticket information:

http://www.thsh.co.uk/event/163rd-british-open-brass-band-championship

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    


Blackpool Brass

A towering 60 years to be celebrated by Blackpool Brass

August 30 • The band from the famous seaside resort looks to celebrate its 60th anniversary later this year with friends and a few old Blackpool stars...


Brighouse

Cash prize increase for British Open winner

August 30 • The newly crowned British Open champion will win the largest cash prize in current world banding.


Kirkintilloch

Report & Result: 2026 West of Scotland Entertainment Contest

August 30 • Kirkintilloch continues their fine form with a return to the top at Troon.


nybbgb

Broadcast repeats of NYBBGB Summer Concerts

August 29 • You will be able to enjoy the performances of both the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Childrens Band and the senior National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain on YouTube next month.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


CROFTON SILVER BAND

August 30 • CROFTON SILVER BAND - FIRST SECTION YORKSHIRE BAND. We are seeking a MD to lead a welcoming, ambitious, fun-loving group, passionate about making fantastic music and enjoying the journey together. . Rehearsals Monday & Thursday 8-10pm Fitzwilliam, Wakefield


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

August 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

August 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd