*
banner

Cross border welcome at Rochdale contest

The forthcoming NWABBA Contest in Rochdale has a true cross border feel to it.

Welcome
  Thee will be a warm welcome for bands from across different borders in Rochdale later this month

The North West Area Brass Band Association's forthcoming contest at Rochdale Town Hall on October 29th has attracted a fine line-up of competitors.

The list of bands to take part in the senior contest on the 29th October includes those from the North West, North of England, Midlands, North Wales and for the first time, Scotland.

No less than 34 bands will take to the stage to try and impress adjudicators Alan Widdop and Andrew Warriner.

Happy

A very happy contest organiser Richard Milton, playfully told told 4BR: "With bands travelling from other countries we considered calling this the Rochdale International Festival of Brass!

We are delighted that the contest, with its increased support from sponsors has now established a reputation amongst bands from near and far."

Youth contest

Although the youth contest that takes place the day before on Saturday 28th has attracted fewer bands this year, that is in part to the half term holidays.

The three local bands taking part will now compete at the Rochdale Salvation Army Hall which is short walk from the town hall in the centre of the town.

Youth Contest


Saturday 28th October
2.00pm
Rochdale Salvation Army Hall

Oldham Music Centre Youth
Rochdale Borough Youth
Whitworth Vale & Healey Youth

With bands travelling from other countries we considered calling this the Rochdale International Festival of Brass! Contest organiser, Richard Milton

Rochdale Contest


29th October
Adjudicators: Andrew Warriner and Alan Widdopp

Championship Section:


Adjudicator: Andrew Warriner

1. Derwent Brass
2. Milnrow


First Section:


Adjudicator: Andrew Warriner

1. Annan Town
2. Freckleton
3. Hade Edge
4. Haslingden & Helmshore
5. Marsden Silver Prize
6. Oldham (Lees)
7. Silk Brass
8. Skelmanthorpe


Second Section:


Adjudicator: Andrew Warriner

1. Besses Boys
2. Delph
3. Flixton
4. Golborne Brass
5. Horwich RMI
6. Middleton
7. Pemberton Old DW Wigan B
8. Royal Buckley Town
9. Uppermill
10. Whitworth Vale & Healey


Third Section:


Adjudicator: Alan Widdop

1. BD1 Brass
2. Dobcross Silver
3. Farnworth & Walkden
4. Greenfield
5. Ifton Colliery
6. Littleborough
7. Skelmersdale


Fourth Section:


Adjudicator: Alan Widdop

1. Blackley
2. Cadishead Public
3. Denton
4. Lostock Hall
5. Parr St Helens
6. Sale Brass
7. Stockport Silver

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    


EBBA Linz

Austrian celebration to be showcased at EBBC Gala Concert

January 13 • An unforgettable celebration of Austrian music is promised at the Gala Concert of the European Brass Band Championships in Linz later this year.


David Morton

Morton set to link with Sandefjord

January 13 • David Morton is set to become Musical Director of Sandefjord Brass Symposium in Autumn 2026.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

January 13 • More great music to enjoy from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd