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4BR Round Table Talk: Part 1

First part of a new round table discussion feature about the major topics of the moment — starting with contesting based on quality and not quantity...

Discussion
  4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Sandy Smith, Simon Gresswell and Paul Fisher

4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Sandy Smith, Simon Gresswell and Paul Fisher to discuss why they think contesting should be restructured in the UK based on quality and not quantity.

All three have plenty of experience as players, conductors and judges, as well as being able to look at the banding movement from the outside.

In this first part they look at why they think there is a problem with the current structure and in part 2 to follow they come up with some possible solutions...

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Blackpool

Results: 2026 North West Regional Championship

March 1 • Titles go to Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Elgar International Festival

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire set to welcome Elgar International Festival of Brass

February 28 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke Band, Flowers, Foden's and David Childs headline the musical attractions for a day of the very best brass band music making in June.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

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