*
banner

Give yourselves time to enjoy the reception at Symphony Hall

Make sure you give yourselves time to get to Symphony Hall for the 10.30am start — and to pick up your souvenir programmes and study scores...

Symphony Hall
  Souvenir programmes and study scores will be available at the reception desk on the man concourse.

Patrons are reminded to ensure they give themselves plenty of extra time to get into the heart of Birmingham and into Symphony Hall this weekend for the 167th British Open Championship.

The contest itself will start promptly at 10.30am when the first of the 18 bands take to the stage.

Programmes and study scores

Due to the refurbishment of the surrounding area outside Symphony Hall and inside the complex itself, it is advisable to give yourself extra time to ensure you can have any bags checked by hall security, as well as pick up souvenir programmes and scores.

They will be available from the central information desk on the main concourse (above) — so make your way there and you will be able pick them up without a problem.

They will be available from the central information desk on the main concourse (above) — so make your way there and you will be able pick them up without a problem4BR

Bars open

Contrary to misinformed information there will also be bar facilities on each level of Symphony Hall.

Bar facilities will be open across three levels of the foyer for audiences to order drinks throughout the event.

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd