*
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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd