*
banner

Enjoy the beat in Eccles today

The semi-final and final of the Brass Band Conductors' Association Conducting Competition takes place in Eccles today — so why not go along and enjoy the music making.

bbca
  The final takes place at Eccles Town Hall this evening

The final of the Brass Band Conductors' Association Conducting Competition takes place in Eccles later today (Saturday 18th June).

Throughout the day the twelve semi-finalists will be assessed by the adjudication panel of Paul Hindmarsh and Dr David Thornton as they work on either 'Contest Music' by Wilfred Heaton or 'Essence of Time' by Peter Graham with the Hammonds Band.

Open to the public

The recent is open to the public at Eccles Town Hall with the first conductor taking to the rostrum at 11.00am.

Six conductors will go through to the public final later in the evening where they will lead Eccles Brough Band in concert (7.30pm).

This will also be held at Eccles Town Hall with the prizes supported by Yamaha announced around 9.15pm.

Global attraction

Speaking about the day, BBCA Chairperson James Holt commented: "It's fantastic that our competition is returning, and we were delighted to get a high-class field of entrants from around the globe.

I wish luck to the 12 that have got through. This is a really good opportunity for conductors to work with outstanding bands and get feedback from professionals in their field and I am sure it will be a great day for those involved."

The finalists:


Neil Brownless; Andrea Durante; Colum O'Shea; Ian Walshaw; Stuart Black; Kieron Howe; Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale; Alan Gifford; Davide Casafina; Carl-Emil Björklund; Boris Oppliger and Jack Capstaff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV3XBRffWOU

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    


Kerkrade

Kerkrade global line-ups confirmed

November 6 • There will be a true global challenge to become World Champion in Kerkrade next year.


John Packer

John Packer gains further endorsement of King's Award

November 6 • The instrument manufacturer, retailer and distributor welcomed His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset to set the seal on their recent King's Award for Enterprise.


Skipton

Skipton time travels for vet series

November 6 • Skipton Brass will be seen and heard in 1945 in an episode of the popular Channel 5 series 'All Creatures Great and Small'...


Andrew Wainwright

Wainwright writes major work to commemorate Coventry Blitz

November 6 • Composer Andrew Wainwright's major work for choir, orchestra and organ will commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 9 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Delph Band - Remembrance Sunday Concert

Sunday 9 November • Delph Band Club. Lawton Square, . Delph, . Oldham OL3 5DT


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Petworth Town Band

November 6 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS and TUBA. We are a very active band with a very inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We rehearse once a week and would welcome all new players to the band


Wotton-under-Edge Silver Band

November 4 • We are a busy and very friendly 2nd section band with 5 current vacancies - FRONT ROW CORNET – BACK ROW CORNET- EUPHONIUM - Bb BASS - PERCUSSION. We rehearse on Tuesdays & Thursdays near our lovely home town, just a short drive from M5, J14.


Harlow Brass Band

November 4 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd