*
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    


NYBBGB amabassadors

National Youth Band Ambassadors set for London showcase

August 12 • The NYBBGB Ambassador Band can be heard right in the heart of London this weekend with an afternoon open air concert at St Martin in the Fields.


That's banding

New exhibition at Brass Band Archive

August 12 • New voices to be heard with Brass Band England's 'That's Banding' exhibition at Heritage Quay at Huddersfield University.


BBSS

40th anniversary success for Brass Band Summer School

August 12 • The long standing summer school course sets itself new benchmarks for the future after successful anniversary debut in Gloucestershire.


Brazil

Baker returns from Brazilian festival visit

August 12 • Brett Baker has return to Brazil for the first time in over a decade to reconnect with trombonists.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • OurCOMMU ITY BAND meets again on Monday 17th at 11am in our .bandroom.. Why not join us for a relaxed friendly rehearsal where all abilities are welcome.. There ‘s tea and cake and. It’s all free.. So join us this Monday..


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • We are looking for Bb BASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS to join our hardworking and friendly team.Good book of concerts and contests planned which includes a trip abroad in 2027.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd