*
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    


Tim Mutum

The Brass Band Hall of Fame gets published

June 14 • Brass band historian Tim Mutum's new book provides essential portraits of nearly 140 brass band conductors, players and personalities.


Groningen

Result: 2026 Dutch Open

June 14 • Local favourites Provinciale Brassband Groningen reclaims the Dutch Open title on a day of double delight.


Dr Martin

Dr Martin postpones contest until 2027

June 14 • The Dr Martin Wainstones Cup Contest has been postponed this year, but will return with a date already fixed for 2027.


swbba

Entries now open for SWBBA Contest in Torquay

June 14 • The popular own choice event takes place in November — and entries are now open.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

June 14 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Chinnor Silver

June 13 • We are looking for a Bb TUBA player to join our friendly,enthusiastic,progressive 1st section band.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday and held in our own bandroom.. We have a varied but realistic calendar planned with possible overseas trip in 2027


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

June 12 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd