*
banner

World Rankings — January update

Significant moves for the Butlins prizewinners with Desford's victory securing a spot in the top 20.

Desford Colliery
  Desford Colliery celebrating their recent win in Skegness.

The first Band Supplies — 4barsrest.com World Rankings of 2019 follow the season-opening Butlin's Mineworkers' Festival at Skegness, which saw a resounding victory for Desford Colliery under Michael Fowles, while runner-up Friary Brass and third-placed Woodfalls also made significant moves in the direction of the top 20.

With National events across Europe kicking off soon and the UK Regionals to follow we expect that there will be a lot of movement throughout the table in the next few months.

A lot of action ahead, then, and this year there will be a number of bands hopeful of dislodging Cory from the number one spot for the first time since 2007, but it isn't going to be easy!

Top 10 bands

1. Cory
2. Valaisia Brass Band
3. Brighouse and Rastrick
4. Foden's
5. Eikanger-Bjørsvik
6. Black Dyke
7. Whitburn
8. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
9. Tredegar
10. Grimethorpe Colliery

To view all the ranked bands, go to:
www.4barsrest.com/rankings/

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    


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


Mallinson

Hammonds sign NYBBGB flugel Mallinson

January 10 • The Hammonds Band has signed Noah Mallinson as their new flugel horn player.


John Wallace CBE

John Wallace becomes new Honorary Vice President at coop

January 10 • The Brass in Concert champion has spoken of its pride that John Wallace CBE has become its new Honorary Vice President.


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd