*
banner

ConsTest set for Birmingham return

The popular contest will returning to Birmingham next April — but you will have to be quick to book a slot.

Constest
  The ConsTest event has quickly become a popular fixture in the contesting calendar

The ConsTest Contest will return to Birmingham next year with the event taking place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Saturday April 12th.

Run by Mikey Foley-Hall, it has quickly become one of the most popular additions to the calendar, with its inventive presentation geared towards the needs of the bands and audience on the day.

This will once again see a pre-draw and open adjudication for the own-choice test piece performances for bands covering all five nationally graded sections. The adjudicators will be Alan Morrison and Ryan Watkins.

Limited

Speaking to 4BR, Mikey Foley-Hall said. "At present we envisage that entry is limited to 3 bands per section to accommodate a total of 15 bands.

However, we are open to expanding this depending on concrete competitive interest from bands. This is an inclusive event for all levels, but we are also flexible with our thinking and would welcome feedback and opinions on how we can build on our success."

Entry will open on November 8th and will close on January 7th 2025.

Opportunities

Mikey Foley-Hall added: "ConsTest is also incredibly proud to expand on the prize pot, working with companies such as Geneva and Denis Wick, and so in addition to the usual cash prizes and awards there are vouchers and musical opportunities too."

If anyone would like to talk to the organisers about volunteering opportunity, or sponsorship, please contact: constestopen@gmail.com

More information

For more information, go to: www.constest.co.uk

To find the Entry Forms and Information Pack go to: www.constest.co.uk/information

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    


Trivergence

Trivergence set for Albert Hall appearance

August 8 • Trombone stars Peter Moore, Mark Nightingale and Andy Wood plus friends will provide the pre-results entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall National Final in October.


IBBSS

Barringer delight at IBBSS success

August 8 • A week of hard work, great music making and friendship in Swansea was a fitting celebration of the leading course's ethos.


Mark Vause

Vause takes baton at Pilling Silver

August 8 • Mark Vause is the new MD of Pilling Silver Band as he returns to the North West.


Smith

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

August 8 • The duo discuss the benefits of an infusion of classical music in the banding veins in rehearsals and concerts.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd