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World Rankings: April update

After a busy start to the contesting year, the first Band Supplies — 4barsrest World rankings update of the year sees Foden's sitting proudly at the top.

Fodens
  2024 North West Regional Champions

Hauts-de-France claimed the first victory of the year at the French National Championships, quickly followed by Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag retaining its Norwegian title in Bergen.

The Welsh Open title went to Ebbw Valley and there was success for Newstead at the NEMBBA contest and Verwood at the ODBBA Winter Contest before the regional contests got underway.

Foden's, Black Dyke, Desford Colliery, co-operation band, Flowers, Zone One, Easington Collliery and Cory were the winners of their respective regional events, with Downshire Brass (BBNI Brass in Concert Contest) and Wantage Silver (SCABA Spring Contest) also enjoying success in the intervening weeks.

Brisbane Excelsior returned to the top at the Australian National Championships, while in the USA Five Lakes Silver received a pre-national boost at the Dublin Festival of Brass. However, it was James Madison University that took the top prize at NABBA, for the first time in its history.

A busy few weeks are ahead and the next update will include the results of the European Championships in Palanga and Blackpool's Spring Festival.

Top 10 Bands


1. Foden's
2. Cory
3. Black Dyke
4. Tredegar
5. Eikanger-Bjørsvik
6. Brighouse and Rastrick
7. Valaisia Brass Band
8. Brass Band Treize Etoiles
9. Flowers
10. Grimethorpe Colliery

To view all ranked bands go to:
www.4barsrest.com/rankings

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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


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

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