*
banner

Spring Festival work alert

Spring Festival bands need to keep guidance at hand as ongoing renovation work may cause some amendments to the venues at the Winter Gardens in May.

Winter Gardens
  There is extensive renovation work currently taking place at the Winter Gardens

The 2018 British Open Spring Festival organisers have been asked by the management team of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool to make competing bands aware that depending on the extent of ongoing renovation work, the Spanish Hall venue may not be able to be used this year.

Although it is understood that at present no change is being contemplated, if as a result of ongoing work the Spanish Hall cannot be used, an alternative venue within the complex will be utilised with dressing room and entrance facilities changed accordingly.

Monitored

The work will be monitored and bands will be advised as soon as possible to any changes that may be implemented.

A British Open spokesperson told 4BR: "We apologise for any concern, but we wish to ensure that the venues utilised are to the required standards for the 98th Spring Festival. The resultant improvements will benefit our future contests with enhanced facilities available as a result of this investment."

Meanwhile, the Winter Gardens added: "We are pleased to announce that the Blackpool Winter Gardens has started its multi-million pound planned development, increasing the size of the convention facilities with an exciting new convention space.

We are sure you will understand that some of our venues may look slightly different whilst the essential work is carried out, and we are looking forward to bringing you bigger and better events in the future."

The work will be monitored and bands will be advised as soon as possible to any changes that may be implemented4BR

Guidance notes

The guidance notes for all competing bands in all three Spring Festival contests is now available on the British Open website in addition to them being sent directly.

Bands should contact Contest Controller, Frank Hodges, if they require any further information:

Tel. 01942 212418, 07930562768, frankhodges@btinternet.com

Further information on the Spring Festival can be found at the following link:

http: www.thebritishopen.net/

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    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. 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?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd