*
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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd