*
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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • 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.


Barnsley Brass

October 7 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd