*
banner

British Bandsman announces annual awards

Matilda Lloyd, Elise Hale and Brunel Academy Brass are the recipients of the 2023 British Bandsman Awards.

British Bandsman Awards
  The Awards went to Elise Hale, Matilda Lloyd and Brunel Academy Brass

The British Bandsman has taken the opportunity to present its annual awards.

Casta Diva

It's 'CD of the Year' went to 'Casta Diva' by trumpet player Matilda Lloyd — summarised by owner Rob Tompkins where "every track has something that will catch your ear".

Brunel Academy Brass

The 'Lower Section Contest Performance of the Year' accolade went to Brunel Academy Brass for their performance at the Fourth Section West of England Regional Championships followed by the National Final at Cheltenham playing 'A Saddleworth Festival Overture'.

They were described as "a great organisation" that gave performances that showed "a very mature sound and well controlled dynamics."

Elise Hale

Its 'Looking to the Future Award' went to Elise Hale — rounding off a memorable year for the youngster, who also won a BBC Young Reporter Competition award and the Brass Bands England 'Young Bandsperson Award' as well as being nominated in the 4BR 'Newcomer of the Year' category.

Her enthusiasm was described as being "infectious and her ideas and projects are refreshing and just what we need."

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd