*
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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


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


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd