*
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    


Brass in Concert

New adjudication system being considered for Brass in Concert

May 17 • Adjudication rankings of equal value to be considered in potential revamp of judging at the Brass in Concert Championships later this year.


winter and Storheim

Norwegian brass band talent spotlighted for Maestro direction

May 17 • Eline Storheim and Samuel Winter have been chosen to be part of a two year conducting course.


wobplay

New releases set for Wobplay

May 17 • New CD releases from Black Dyke Band, Birmingham Citadel and Bone-afide alongside the Elgar International Festival will soon be able to be enjoyed on the digital platform.


Lostock

Tynan departs at Lostock Hall

May 17 • The brief but successful musical partnership between Lostock Hall Band and conductor Tommy Tynan has come to an end.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd