*
banner

Rochdale contest ready for flying start

The clocks go back and the local Flying Horse pub will be open as a rejuvenated Rochdale Contest offers something for everyone this weekend.

Welsh ARea
 

The North West Area Brass Bands Association has released the names of the competing bands that will take part in a rejuvenated NWABBA Contest in Rochdale this weekend.

There will be plenty of great action to enjoy over the two days at Rochdale Town Hall, with competitors in six sections taking part in a contest that has attracted both renewed interest and sponsorship.

Youth bands

On Saturday it will be the turn of the youth bands who will perform their 20-minute programmes that must include an own choice test piece.

They will be competing for an array of prizes including a memorial trophy dedicated to Ron Chalker for the 'Best Soprano Cornet'. Chalker Products are also sponsoring the Youth Section event.

Mike Kilroy will be judging and the contest kicks off at 1.00pm.

Youth Section:

Oldham Music Centre Youth Brass
Pemberton Old Wigan DW Youth
Macclesfield Youth Band
Stockport Schools' Senior Brass
Rochdale Borough Youth Brass
Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth
Elland Silver Youth

Senior bands

On Sunday, no less than 37 bands will battle for honours, with the Fourth Section contenders reminded that the clocks go back this weekend, so they shouldn't be late for the 9.00am start!

Bands are also reminded that the Flying Horse public house is offering a post contest party too.


On Sunday, no less than 37 bands will battle for honours, with the Fourth Section contenders reminded that the clocks go back this weekend, so they shouldn't be late for the 9.00am start!4BR

Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Sheona White

Blackley
Denton Brass
Sale Brass
Skelmersdale Prize
Stalybridge Old


Third Section:
Adjudicator: Sheona White

Besses o' th' Barn
Blackpool Brass
Crofton Silver
Fairfield (Buxton)
Goldborne
Greenfield
Greenalls
Hawk Green Brass
Littleborough
Pilling Jubilee Silver
Trinity Girls


Second Section:
Adjudicator: Andrew Berryman

Besses Boys
City of Chester
Delph
Dobcross Silver
Farnworth & Walkden
Flixton
Middleton
Royal Buckley Town
Silk Brass
Uppermill Brass


First Section:
Adjudicator: Andrew Berryman

Hade Edge
Haslingden & Helmshore
Hazel Grove
Wakefield Metropolitan
Whitworth Vale & Healey


Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Andrew Berryman

Blackburn & Darwen
Milnrow
Pemberton Old Wigan DW
Rainford
Vernon Building Society Poynton

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    


Regional Championships

BBP Registry issues reminder

January 12 • Bands are being reminded that they need to have all their registration requirements in order ahead of the regional championships this year.


Easington Colliery

New signings at Easington

January 12 • The North of England Championship contenders strengthen their ranks with two experienced new signings.


Ted Griffiths

Funeral service for Ted Griffiths

January 12 • The funeral service details for Ted Griffiths have been confirmed.


John Wallace CBE

Death of John Wallace CBE

January 12 • The death has been announced of one of the UK's most influential brass musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd