*
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    


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


Mallinson

Hammonds sign NYBBGB flugel Mallinson

January 10 • The Hammonds Band has signed Noah Mallinson as their new flugel horn player.


John Wallace CBE

John Wallace becomes new Honorary Vice President at coop

January 10 • The Brass in Concert champion has spoken of its pride that John Wallace CBE has become its new Honorary Vice President.


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd