*
banner

Foden's ready for widespread solo influx

There are going to be musical accents from different areas and countries on show in Sandbach this weekend.

Fodens
 

The annual Foden's Solo & Ensemble contest will be taking place this weekend at Sandbach School, in Cheshire.

The event has now become the largest of its kind in this county and will see over 170 competitors competing in 18 different classes — with entrants not just from all parts of the UK, but also Norway, Belgium and France.

Prizes

Titles and some fantastic prizes are up for grabs in the various age categories and disciplines which include Solos, Duets, Quartets and Percussion classes on Saturday.

Support

Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "Once again we are thankful to Besson Musical Instruments, Audi Macclesfield, Cheshire East and 4Barsrest for their support, as well as the various traders that will be in attendance.

Foden's players will also be on hand to organise the day, manning the four performance areas and practice rooms as well as serving up homemade refreshments that Mary Berry couldn't better -
from classic bacon sandwiches and hot dogs to homemade soup and an amazing array of cakes!"

Once again we are thankful to Besson Musical Instruments, Audi Macclesfield, Cheshire East and 4Barsrest for their support, as well as the various traders that will be in attendanceFoden's Band.

Date and time

The adjudicators are Helen Williams, Owen Farr, Anthony Mann and Florent Didier, with the contest day commencing at 9.30am at Sandbach School, Crewe Road, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3NS.

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd