*
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    


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2026 Traveller's Rest March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 8 • Hepworth boost the bank balance ahead of the Autumn majors with a Wizard of a victory in Meltham.


Elgar Festival

Elgar Festival offers packed day of elite performers

June 7 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today then why not enjoy a packed day of elite level brass band performers.


Carlton Main

Results: 2026 French Open Championships

June 7 • Carlton Main Frickley leads the prize winners in Amboise at the 30th French Open Championship


Kingdom Brass

Result: 2026 Clans vs Counties

June 6 • Kingdom Brass becomes the first cross border title holder at a brand new entertainment contest in Northumberland.


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Ascot Brass - Vanguard Quartet from "Royal Harmonics"

Saturday 6 June • St Michael and All Angels Church St Michaels Green, Grenfell Road Beaconsfield HP9 2BP


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

June 5 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Glossop Old Band

June 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

June 4 • BACK ROW CORNET 2nd/3rd cornet. . NEMBBA contest entered for 15 November. LBBA contest entered for 22 November. . Concert schedule planned in advance. Planned breaks .


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd