*
banner

Howzat! Celebs give Brass Factor adjudication sporting sparkle

Yorkshire cricketer Ryan Sidebottom and former snooker star Willie Thorne will be two of the judges at the forthcoming Brass Factor entertainment contests.

Ryan Sidebottom
  Former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom will be one of the Brass Factor judges this year.

Celebrity guests will join a panel of expert judges this month at one of the UK's most popular brass band events.

The 'Brass Factor' contest see bands entertain eager audiences at The Engine Shed, Wetherby and The Picturedrome, Holmfirth on the 12th and 19th of November respectively.

Celebrity judges

The Wetherby event will see Emmerdale television soap star John Bowe and former international English cricketer Ryan Sidebottom joining well known conductors Simon Wood and Lee Skipsey on the adjudication panel.

Meanwhile, former professional snooker player, Willie Thorne will be in Holmfirth with BBC Radio Leeds' 'Yorkshire Brass' presenter, David Hoyle, conductor Martin Hall and well known musician Sandy Smith.

Taking the form of a talent contest, 'Brass Factor' will showcase six bands from across Yorkshire competing for the coveted title of 'Brass Factor Winner'.

I'm incredibly excited to welcome our celebrity judges. This year we have sold tickets faster than ever and the support has been phenomenalFounder, Alex Bray

Unusual twist

Founder, Alex Bray told 4BR: "I'm incredibly excited to welcome our celebrity judges. This year we have sold tickets faster than ever and the support has been phenomenal.

The aim of the event is to promote brass band culture and young talent — with an unusual twist where the audiences will also receive the opportunity to vote for their favourites."

More information

For more information about Brass Factor or to purchase tickets visit: http://brassfactor.com/

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    


UniBrass

Welsh youth to perform at UniBrass Championships

February 5 • The South Wales Youth Band will provide extra entertainment ahead of the results at the UniBrass Championships in Cardiff next weekend.


Artistic

NYBBGB looks to next generation Artistic lead

February 5 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is looking to appoint a new Director of Artistic Planning.


Northop Silver

Wyss to lead Northop numbers in Swansea

February 5 • Thomas Wyss will lead Northop Silver and its new signings at the Welsh Regional Championships


Foden's

Foden's enjoy another Armagh visit

February 5 • Foden's make their 24th visit to Armagh to inspire players and entertain audiences.


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 7 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Newstead Brass - VALENTINE'S VARIATIONS

Sunday 9 February • Ashwood Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield. Nottinghamshire Ng17 7ab


wantage silver band

February 5 • Wantage Band (championship section) has a vacancy for TOP 2ND CORNET. This would suit a player with experience in a championship/first section band. Rehearsals take place every Sun 7:30pm and Wed 8pm in Wantage with highly experienced MD Chris King.


Haverhill Silver Band

February 4 • Haverhill Silver Band (champ section) seeks a BACK ROW CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond. Applications to join after the area contest also considered.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

February 1 • Due to some seating changes, Bilton Silver (Rugby) requires a percussionist to join our Championship Section band for the Midlands Regional contest. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Friday at 7-45pm in our own purpose built bandroom.


James Chamberlain

BMus (Hons) PGCE
Conductor, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd