*
banner

Final touches in place for Foden's contest

Even the homemade cakes have been prepared for a record 135 players and supporters at this weekend's Foden's Solo, Duet & Quartet competition in Sandbach.

Fodens
  Everybody has to head to Sandbach this weekend...

Foden's Band has announced final plans ahead of its annual Solo, Duet & Quartet Contest this weekend.

The competition takes place on Saturday 2nd November at Sandbach School on Crewe Road (CW11 3NS) and commences at 10.00am.

Largest event

The largest event of its kind in the country, it has attracted a record 135 entrants across 16 different categories, all of whom will be out to try and impress adjudicators Mike Lovatt, John Doyle and Mark Wilkinson, who will also work with young adjudicators selected from the Foden's Youth Band.

As in previous years, piano accompanists are on hand to help the players and during the day, they will benefit from a free master class hosted by Mike Lovatt, where he will give tips and practice ideas as well as well a talk about his incredible musical career.

The event will be stewarded by members of Foden's and as always their culinary skills will be on show with a great selection of homemade hot food and pastries.

Welcome

Foden's spokesperson Andy Rolfe told 4BR: "Once again, we're delighted to be able to welcome people to the event, especially those for overseas.

We would like to thank Kapitol Promotions and Brass Band World for their support, as well as Sandbach Music, Strings & Things, and our main sponsor, Geneva. Without support from these companies we would be unable to host the contest."

We would like to thank Kapitol Promotions and Brass Band World for their support, as well as Sandbach Music, Strings & Things, and our main sponsor, Geneva. Without support from these companies we would be unable to host the contestFoden's Band

Partners pleased

In response, Philip Morris of Kapitol Promotions and Brass Band World magazine said: "We're pleased to have partnered Foden's in this event and support the ethos of the contest aimed at all levels of the banding movement."

Meanwhile, Geneva Group General Manager, Brett Baker added: "We are also delighted to support this excellent event as it reflects our own commitment to encourage and support younger players as well as community banding."

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    


ConsTest

Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • WHIT FRIDAY MORNING - all players welcome.. . Experience Whit Friday morning in the Mossley Whit Walks from 9am on 29 May, with food and drink at the Yorkshire Ward after the march.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd