*
banner

Waiting for the National light to return...

Tuba player Sarah Billard plays her instrument on the hills near Hade Edge this weekend instead of at the Royal Albert Hall in London...

Billard
  Sarah Billard plays in the dusk light...

For the first time since returning to what has become its permanent home at the Royal Albert Hall in 1954, the National Championship of Great Britain will not take place this weekend.

Hiatus

World Wars were responsible for the hiatus of 1914-1919 and 1939-1944, but it is the first time that the event has not taken place outside these national emergencies.

Unfortunately the news has not garnered high profile national media attention, although hopefully the event's return in 2021 will be heralded by the type of coverage given to lottery funded pantomime shows.

Reflection

However, as always, well known press photographer Lorne Campbell has being doing his best to get brass bands into the national press and has taken this image of tuba player Sarah Billard in the hills near Hade Edge, Yorkshire to provide a reflection on the cancellation.

It has appeared both in the Yorkshire Post on Friday and Daily Telegraph today.

Sarah played with Hepworth Band as they qualified at the Yorkshire Regional Championships way back in March and has recently progressed to the final of the Foden's Over-18s Slow Melody contest.

Image courtesy of Lorne Campbell

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    


RAH

MPs vote against Albert Hall ticket proposals

June 16 • A Private Members Bill to amend the constitution of the charity that runs the Royal Albert Hall and its long held ticketing policy has been defeated in Parliament amid accusations of "outrageous profiteering".


pocast

4BR Review: Episode 19

June 15 • Join Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas on Wednesday 17th June at 7.00pm for the latest live broadcast 4BR Review.


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd