*
banner

British Open line-up announced

19 world class bands will battle it out for the honour of being crowned 2018 British Open champion at Symphony Hall in September.

bRITISH oPEN
  19 bands will compete for the British Open title at Symphony Hall.

The organisers of the 2018 British Open Championship have announced the list of competing bands for the 166th contest which will be held at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Saturday 8th September.

19 world class contenders will perform 'A Brussels Requiem' by Belgian composer Bert Appermont. The defending champion is the Valaisia Brass Band from Switzerland.

Draw and judges



Sponsored by Besson, the draw will take place at 8.45am with the first band taking to the stage at 10.00am. The three judges who will make the all important decisions will be announced on the day itself, whilst the competing bands are reminded to ensure the appropriate registration details for the contest are in order.

19 world class contenders will perform 'A Brussels Requiem' by Belgian composer Bert Appermont. The defending champion is the Valaisia Brass Band from Switzerland4BR

Competing bands:

Aldbourne (Dr David Thornton)
Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas J. Childs)
Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Luc Vertommen)
Co-op Funeralcare (Frans Violet)
Cory (Philip Harper)
Desford Colliery (LMTF) (Michael Fowles)
Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag (Bjarte Engeset)
Fairey (Garry Cutt)
Flowers (Phillip McCann)
Foden's (Michael Bach)
Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington)
Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc)
Wingates (Paul Andrews)
Whitburn (Florent Didier)

Further information:



Further information on the British Open can be found on the website: 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    


Foden's Band

Report & Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray claim the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require an Eb bass player. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall in Rugby, the band has a growing schedule of concerts and contests as well as social events.


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 14 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd