*
banner

2018 4BR Band of the Year

A host of outstanding bands this year — but one stood out from the rest according to our panel.

Band of the Year
  Valaisia Brass Band has become the 2018 4BR Band of the Year.

Winner: Valaisia Brass Band

2. Cory
3. Foden's


And finally — which brilliant brass band made the greatest impression on our panel of experts during 2018?

An incredible line-up to choose from, and eight of our long-list nominations got at least one mention as a podium candidate.

In the end though it was the outstanding 2018 European and Swiss National Champion, Valaisia Brass Band that claimed the accolade — gaining no less than 6 first choice preference votes and 3 podium votes in recognition of their remarkable talents.

Band to beat

The 2018 British Open, Brass in Concert, Welsh Area and Band Cymru Champion Cory had to be content with the runner-up spot this year, but still gained 3 first choice preferences and 7 podium votes to underline the fact that they remain the standard bearer of excellence that all others need to beat.

Great deal

And in that company it says a great deal for Foden's that they came third — with 1 first preference and 7 podium votes in a year in which they provided ample evidence of their artistic as well competitive desire to be one of the very finest bands in the world.

In the end though it was the outstanding 2018 European and Swiss National Champion, Valaisia Brass Band that claimed the accolade — gaining no less than 6 first choice preference votes and 3 podium votes in recognition of their remarkable talents4BR

Past Winners:


2017: Eikanger Bjorsvik
2016: Cory
2015: Cory
2014: Black Dyke
2013: Cory
2012: Foden's
2011: Brighouse & Rastrick
2010: Tredegar
2009: Cory
2008: Cory
2007: Grimethorpe Colliery Band
2006: Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal) Band
2005: Black Dyke
2004: Yorkshire Building Society
2003: Yorkshire Building Society
2002: Foden's Richardson
2001: Yorkshire Building Society

Panel:

The Awards Panel consisted of : Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (Chief Contributor); Steven Mead (euphonium soloist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine); Kenny Crookston (CEO, Brass Bands England); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/soprano cornet Bjorsvik Brass); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist).

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    


Sage

2025 Brass in Concert Championship draws confirmed

May 13 • The draws for the Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships were made in Stavanger.


EBBA

New additions to EBBA Music Commission

May 13 • Ben Haemhouts and Katrina Marzella-Wheeler take new roles with EBBA's Music Commission.


swiss

Swiss winners enjoy Geneva trip to Stavanger

May 13 • A trio of fast paced Valaisia Brass Band supporters made sure they bagged a brace of combi-tickets for the main event at the European Championships.


Rob Hanson

King's Award for Enterprise for John Packer Ltd

May 13 • The UK-based musical instrument manufacturer, distributor and retailer, has been presented with the King's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category for the second time.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Newstead Brass

May 12 • Newstead Brass is looking to recruit a PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our ambitious and hardworking Championship Section band.. . With an exciting schedule ahead, this is a rare chance to join our ranks as we look to achieve further success as a team.


Lofthouse2000 Brass Band

May 12 • Lofthouse are currently recruiting for Kit, Bass (Bb & Eb), Baritone, Bass Trombone and Cornets. We are a 3rd section contesting band with regular concerts and events throughout the year and would love to fill our happy team with keen players.


Petworth Town Band

May 12 • Petworth Town. Band have vacancies for CORNETS and TUBA. We are an enthusiastic non contesting band with a thriving list of concerts and engagements throughout the year and are led by our passionate and inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd