*
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    


siddis brass

Live Wobplay coverage of Siddis Championships

November 5 • You can sit back and enjoy the Norwegian entertainment on offer from Stavanger on Saturday on the wobplay.com media platform.


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Festival Brass Band

Vertommen to lead Festival Brass at Belgian Championships

November 5 • The experienced Luc Vertommen will lead Festival Brass Band in Heist-op-den-Berg later this month as MD Senne La Mela takes principal cornet role.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit horns to complete our line-up for the Area contest next year. The position is negotiable. Hade Edge are a friendly second band who rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45 till 9.45 in a fantastic purpose built bandroom


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

November 5 • 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.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd