*
banner

Good turn out for Torquay

27 bands will take to the stage for the annual SWBBA Championships in Torquay next month.

Torquay
  The contest takes place at the Riviera Centre in Torquay

The 76th Annual Championships promoted by the South West Brass Band Association (SWBBA) will take place at the Riviera International Centre Torquay on 2nd November.

Steve Pritchard Jones will adjudicate the 27 bands, with John Woods, Vice Chairperson of SWBBA telling 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome everyone to Torquay once again following the success of last year's event."

He added: "An entry of 14 bands in the Open section is an excellent outcome and we are looking forward to a wide range of music chosen across the six sections, especially the Training Section where we welcome three bands this year."

Congratulations

SWBBA also offered it congratulations to St Austell Band on its recent National title success in Cheltenham, with the band showcasing the next generation of its home made talent in the Youth Section.

SWBBA President Leonard Adams will present the trophies on the day.

Open Section:

Chalford
City of Cardiff Melingriffith (M1)
Filton Concert Brass
Forest of Dean Brass
Glastonbury Brass
Helston Town
Hyde Band
Lanner & District Silver
Lympstone Band
Plymouth City Brass
Porthleven Town
Roche Brass
Sidmouth Town
Weston Brass

Section Two:

Markham & District
Porthleven Town
South Molton Town

Section Three:

Exeter Railway Band
Pendennis Brass
Saltash Town
South Molton Town

Section Four:

Bay Brass
Plymouth City Brass Academy

Youth:

St Austell Youth

Training Section:

Launceston Training
Plymouth City Brass Academy
Porthleven Training

Tickets:


General tickets will be available on the contest day (cash or card) and refreshment and trade stands available in the Arena. Doors open at 9.00am with first scheduled performance in Section 4 commencing at 9.30am.

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    


Wilfred Heaton

Heaton biography launch at RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 9 • Paul Hindmarsh's much anticipated biography of the enigmatic 'Contest Music' composer is to be launched at the RNCM event later this month.


Woodbridge Band

Gray inspires Woodbridge outlook

January 9 • Russell Gray headed to Suffolk recently to bring his brand of back to basics to inosire the players of wOODBRIDGE eXCELSIOR.


Wantage

New cornet leads at Wantage

January 9 • Russell Jackson take over the principal cornet role with Wantage Silver as Richard Selvidge takes new repiano role and the band welcomes a new student recruit.


Frairy Brass

Frairy aid to Macmillan Cancer Care

January 9 • Despite the icy cold the great efforts of Friary Brass players helped raise funds for their chosen charity.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: North West Regional Championships

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


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Saturday 1 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Ibstock Brick Brass

January 9 • Ibstock Brick Brass 3rd section are currently recruiting for a Principal Euphonium to complete our line up.. The band has a sensible programme of contests and concerts.. . Rehearsals are Mondays 8-10pm & Thursdays as required in Coalville.


wantage silver band

January 8 • Wantage Band (championship section) has a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable, to complete the section. Rehearsals take place every Sunday 7:30pm and Wednesday 8pm in Wantage with highly experienced Musical Director Chris King.


Bedworth Brass

January 7 • Bedworth Brass, Midlands 1st Section band require a talented and enthusiastic soprano player to join the ranks of our hard working and social band.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd