*
banner

IBBSS Course cancelled

The popular International Brass Band Summer School Course in Swansea has been cancelled due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns.

IBSS
  The course attracts delegates from around the banding globe to Swansea each year

4BR has been informed that due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns, the popular International Brass Band Summer School led by Prof Nicholas Childs has been cancelled.

The course, which has attracted hundreds of delegates from across the globe to Swansea University in Wales was due to have taken place from 1st-7th August.

It has been working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure that the health and safety of delegates was foremost in their preparations, but the most recent information and guidance, especially with international logistics has meant that it would have been impossible to hold the event under current circumstances.

Disappointing

Course Director Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "This is immensely disappointing for everyone involved, especially for the delegates who enjoy such a wonderful time at the course each year.

However, with the Covid-19 safety of everyone paramount, we have listened and acted upon the latest guidance from the correct sources, and although disappointed to make the decision we know it is also the right one to take.

Return

He added: "We are determined however to ensure that we will return in 2022 bigger and better and able to offer the type of musical experience that has made the International Brass Band Summer School into the leading event of its kind in the banding world.

We also intend to hold a virtual course that will be free to the delegates who have already registered in 2021 to say thank you for their continued support."

We also intend to hold a virtual course that will be free to the delegates who have already registered in 2021 to say thank you for their continued supportProf Nicholas Childs

2022

The 2022 IBBSS course will be held from Sunday 31st July — 6th August.

For any details and enquiries about the cancellation for the 2021 course, the virtual course and the 2022 course, please contact Alison Childs at: alison4horn@btinternet.com

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    


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


BBSS

BBSS delegates prepare for 40th anniversary concert

August 5 • Over 160 musicians from 12 countries will provide the 40th anniversary celebrations on the Brass Band Summer School course in Gloucestershire on Friday.


Fairlop Brass

Busy Fairlop help make brass on the grass pay

August 5 • Fairlop Brass has been busy providing entertainment for good causes and great people.


DOODLES

Don't be late to get prepared

August 5 • Doodles Mouthpiece replating services is reminding players to get that essential summer refurbishment done in time for the start of the second half of the contesting year.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd