*
banner

Contest hopes dashed at Weston super Mare

Despite a £15 million renovation, there is not enough space to fit in a popular brass band contest in Weston super Mare's Winter Gardens.

Weston
  The refurbished Winter Gardens doesn't have room to host a brass band contest over 35 bands

Despite the completion of the £15 million refurbishments to the famous ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Weston super Mare, the South West Brass Band Association has had it hopes dashed that its popular brass band contest can return to the venue.

Half capacity

Unfortunately, the venue, which includes a new Law & Finance Centre only allows for less than half of its capacity to be hired for functions and events, meaning that hosting a contest which has traditionally attracted upwards of 35 bands or more is now impossible.

SWBBA had hoped to restage its annual own choice contest at the venue in 2018 to take advantage of the neo-Georgian ballroom with its domed ceiling and improved acoustics, but this is now unfeasible.

Concert not contest

"The ballroom is a super venue now for a brass band concert,"Weston Brass Secretary, Gill Rogers told 4BR.

"Unfortunately, with less than half the overall site now available for hire it's apparent there is insufficient space to run a contest of 35 bands or more."

SWBBA Chairman John Woods also confirmed the news: "In addition, the rooms available for band changing and registration, control room and catering are not ideally located for running a successful contest,"he said.

"We have major concerns for the smooth running of the event and an expectation that all bands would need to use a single staircase to access a band room twice; once to perform and again to leave after performing. Coupled with the fact that this is adjacent to the public entrance to the auditorium we feel this is unworkable."

Unfortunately, with less than half the overall site now available for hire it's apparent there is insufficient space to run a contest of 35 bands or moreGill Rogers

New venue

4BR was informed that the SWBBA will continue to work with Weston Brass to seek a more suitable alternative venue in North Somerset.

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    


Australia Brass

Australia to send National band for World Championship challenge

October 21 • Australia Brass will travel to Kerkrade in 2026 to seek World Championship title.


New Zealand

Home grown test-piece talent for New Zealand Championships

October 21 • The five test pieces to be heard in Wellington next year all come from the pens of New Zealand composers.


LBBA

Bands ready for battles of Bosworth

October 21 • There are plenty of bands taking part in the Leicestershire Brass Band Association contest in Desford this weekend.


Cory

Cory set for cinematic trip to Warwick

October 21 • The defending Brass in Concert champion returns from Italy to showcase its cinematic entertainment at Warwicks Arts Centre.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class TROMBONE player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd