*
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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd