*
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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd