*
banner

British Open weekend continues to attract brass band lovers

A trio of very different attractions is keeping demand for tickets high for Symphony Hall British Open weekend.

sYMPHONY hALL
  There are a trio of very different attractions on offer on the British Open weekend.

The variety of musical attractions at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on the British Open weekend on the 7th- 9th September has certainly captured the imagination of brass band lovers from all corners of the world.

Brassed Off

Not only is the 166th Championship event on the Saturday sold out, tickets sales for the Friday evening 'Brassed Off Live' featuring Grimethorpe Colliery Band playing along to a special showing of the iconic film and the Sunday Gala Concert featuring Black Dyke and Cory are also being snapped up quickly.

Grimethorpe will take to the stage (Friday 7th September — 7.30pm) to provide the perfect aperitif for the serious competitive action to come, by providing the musical accompaniment to a special showing of the 1996 film directed by Mark Herman.

A special screen is being fitted above the hall stage to ensure everyone doesn't miss a single second of the action.

To purchase a ticket go to:
https://www.thsh.co.uk/boxoffice/ticket/562736

A special screen is being fitted above the hall stage to ensure everyone doesn't miss a single second of the action4BR

Gala Concert

Meanwhile, there has also been an excellent response to the traditional Gala Concert event on the Sunday (starting 2.30pm) with Cory and Black Dyke providing easy listening concert entertainment to round off the weekend.

It has also been confirmed that Dobcross Silver Band will provide the pre-Gala concert entertainment on the Sunday at Symphony Hall — so there will an extra opportunity to enjy even more brass band music making.

To purchase a ticket go to:
https://www.thsh.co.uk/boxoffice/ticket/587537

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


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd