*
banner

Barton claims Harry Mortimer Award

Lewis Barton has won the prestigious Harry Mortimer Solo Competition, held at this year's NYBBGB Course.

Lewis Barton
  Lewis Barton receives the prestigious annual award

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is currently working hard on it Summer Course in Clitheroe under the direction of Prof David King and his team of tutors.

Although there in inclusive ethos about the music making, there is also a keen sense of competitiveness too when it comes to the annual Harry Mortimer Solo Competition.

Outstanding performances

There were a host of outstanding performances to enjoy this year for judges Prof David King, Lt Col Lauren Petritz-Watts and Andrea Price to enjoy with the overall winner proclaimed as cornet player Lewis Barton.

Lewis who is a student at the RNCM in Manchester is the principal cornet for this year's course.

He was joined for the event by the winners of the Katie Ogden Competition back in Easter — Alec (percussion), Thomas (euphonium), Phoebe (flugel), Steph (cornet) Gareth (bass and Junior Harry Mortimer winner) and Lizzie (open section)

Concert

The NYBBGB will end their summer course with a cocnert at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday 10th August at 5.30pm.

Information and Tickets: https://www.nybbgb.org.uk/whats-on/events/youth-band-summer-concert/

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    


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


Welcome

Warm welcome for Lawson at Welsh champion

March 28 • It's a been a long journey to get to his first rehearsal for Kyle Lawson at Cory — and its straight into concert action too.


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 5 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd