*
banner

World Rankings — April update

Little change at the top or the rankings following the recent regional events in the UK.

Royal Albert Hall
 

The latest World of Brass — 4barsrest.com Rankings see few changes at the very top following the recent round of contests around the world, but significant changes further down as the regional events throughout the UK and national championships in Australia and North America make their usual mark at this time of year.

Brisbane Excelsior and Fountain City were the successful bands in their respective national contests, while Tredegar and Co-operative Funeralcare's success in Swansea and Perth gives these two bands opportunities for further ranking points in next year's European Championships in Ostend.

The other contests taking place since the last update were:

Brass at the Guild — won by Hepworth;
Durham County BBA — won by Easington Colliery;
Welsh Open — won by Filton Concert Brass;
BBLNI Brass in Concert — won by Downshire Brass.

The next update will follow the European Championships in Lille and the Spring Festival in Blackpool, where we can always expect a few surprises!

Top 10 bands

1. Cory
2. Black Dyke
3. Grimethorpe Colliery
4. Brighouse and Rastrick
5. Flowers
6. Tredegar
7. Foden's
8. Fairey
9. Eikanger-Bjorsvik
10. Virtuosi GUS

To view all the ranked bands, go to:
www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

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    


Arsenal and Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 8

September 4 • What's the link between the Premier League champions Arsenal and British Open champion Brighouse & Rastrick?


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

September 3 • Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


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


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.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd