*
banner

Great launch for Brass for Africa campaign at British Open

The fantastic Brass for Africa charity enjoyed a wonderful launch day at the recent British Open at Symphony Hall in Birmingham — led by some great donations...

Adam Gregory
  Adan Gregory from Friary Guildford Band won the unofficial 'First Donor' award

The Brass for Africa Charity enjoyed a wonderful launch day at the 164th British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.

Not only did lots of people enquire about the wonderful work they undertake, but a number also came along with personal donations to help the cause.

First Donor

The person who won their unofficial 'First Donor of the Day' award was Adam Gregory (left) a bass trombone player from Friary Guildford Band, who came to the event to donate an instrument and 'throw down the gauntlet' as he said to encourage others to do the same.

Great response

Brass for Africa spokesperson Paul Collins told 4BR: "It was a great day at Symphony Hall. We enjoyed a steady stream of brass band personalities, supporters and donors, each giving us support.

We would like to extend our thanks to all who attended to express an interest and all who donated on the day; however large or small, everything we received only serves to further our worthy cause.

We would also like to extend our thanks to the helpful staff of the competition's organisers particularly Frank Hodges and the staff of the Symphony Hall who all played a part in the success."

If you are interested in helping you can now bring along an old instrument, mouthpiece, mute, pieces of music, music stands etc to the National Championships in Cheltenham. All donations are welcome!!Brass for Africa

4BR interview

4BR also bumped into the Brass for Africa team to find out more about their charity work and you can see the interview above.

If you are interested in helping you can now bring along an old instrument, mouthpiece, mute, pieces of music, music stands etc to the National Championships in Cheltenham. All donations are welcome!!

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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd