*
banner

Open offers worldwide fraternal greetings

Everything is in place for the 165th British Open — with a warm welcome assured for competitors and listeners alike.

bRITISH oPEN
  Everything is in place for the 165th British Open Championship

The list of competing bands that will tackle Thierry Deleruylle's 'Fraternity' at the 165th British Open Championship at Symphony Hall on Saturday September 9th has been released by the contest organisers.

Sold out

Such has been the demand for tickets that the 'sold out' signs were posted weeks ago, with any person hoping to get to hear the action asked to contact the Symphony Hall box office to enquire about potential last minute returns.

It is the fourth year in a row that the event, sponsored by Besson, has been sold out, with the audience eager to hear the bands battle it out for the famous Gold Shield.

Meanwhile, the bands themselves have been reminded that they need to ensure that their player registration details are all in order well before the contest.

Extra time

As stated previously on 4BR, both performers and listeners are reminded that extra security checks will be in place on the day — so extra time is required by all to ensure every things runs smoothly.

As always there will be study scores, souvenir programmes and plenty of trade stands for people to enjoy and browse. Birmingham Citadel Band will be performing in the foyer from 9.15am.

The contest starts promptly at 10.30am.

As stated previously on 4BR, both performers and listeners are reminded that extra security checks will be in place on the day — so extra time is required by all to ensure every things runs smoothly4BR

Competing Bands:

Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas Childs)
Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Erik Janssen)
Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay)
Cory (Philip Harper)
Desford Colliery (Leicestershire Miners Trust Fund) (Michael Fowles)
Fairey (Garry Cutt)
Flowers (David Childs)
Foden's (Bramwell Tovey)
Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington)
Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea)
Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
Milnrow (Mark Bentham)
Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc)
Wingates (Paul Andrews)
Whitburn (Florent Didier)

Find out more

To find out more go to:

https://www.thsh.co.uk/event/165th-british-open-supported-by-besson#tab0=details

www.thebritishopen.net

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd