*
banner

Youth Fest launched by Brass Bands England

A new non-competitive brass festival with a youth oriented ethos of development and progression has been launched by BBE — and you can be a part of it.

yOUTH fEST
  The event will take place in Barnsley in June

Brass Bands England has announced the launch of Youth Fest — a brand new, non-competitive brass festival.

BBE says that it, "endeavours to inspire and engage young people in brass playing in an inclusive environment, encouraging personal development and progression."

The free to take part inaugural festival, celebrating success and participation in music, will take place on Friday 28th June at Barnsley Civic.

Bands of all standards are welcome to play in the high-quality national event, promoting a standard of access and inclusivity in banding.

All abilities

Speaking about the initiative, Brass Bands England Chief Operating Officer Sarah Baumann told 4BR: "Youth Fest is open to young players of all abilities.

It's an ideal occasion for beginner school ensembles to experience a high-quality performance opportunity without the pressure of competition. It's all about motivating young people to continue their brass journey!"

Barnsley base

Sarah added: "We are delighted that we will be bring the event to our home in Barnsley, and working with the Civic — a fellow Barnsley-based Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, as our chosen venue."

Find out more and apply:

https://www.bbe.org.uk/youth-education-and-outreach/youth-fest

Applications to take part in Youth Fest 2024 will open on Thursday 1st February.

It's an ideal occasion for beginner school ensembles to experience a high-quality performance opportunity without the pressure of competition. It's all about motivating young people to continue their brass journey!BBE

Information and more details

Ahead of the entry window, bands considering participating will be able to download a Pre-Entry Information Pack, as well as access the Youth Fest guidelines, via the Youth Fest page on the BBE website.

Youth Fest entry for participating bands is free of charge. Places to perform at the event will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

All those interested in the event are welcomed to a Youth Fest online information session on Tuesday 6th February (3.45pm), or alternatively Monday 11th March (3.45pm).

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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Coverage: North West Regionals Championships

February 23 • Coverage of the 2025 North West Regionals championships from Winter Gardens, Blackpool.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

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


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd