*
banner

Battle of Clans

A new cross border contest of the 'Clans versus Counties' will take place next year.

Clans
  The contest will take place on Saturday 6th June

A brand new own-choice entertainment contest is to be held in 2026.

Inspired by the popular historic cross-border contests of the early 1900's, the 'Clans versus Counties' event will be open to registered Scottish and North of England, Championship, First, Second, Third and Fourth Section bands.

The first open adjudication contest will be held on Saturday 6th June at the Queen's Hall Arts Centre, located in the heart of historic market town of Hexham.

Perfect opportunity

The idea is being driven by Helen Douthwaite who hails from the North East and has lived in Scotland for many years.

Helen told 4BR: "I thought a contest of this nature would be a perfect opportunity to showcase the wonderfully talented musicians of these regions whilst throwing in a touch of friendly competition."

Further information:

Interested bands are encouraged to save the date and entries will open on Friday 2nd January 2026.

www.clansvscounties.com

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    


BBCA

BBCA gains charitable status

November 7 • The Brass Band Conductors Association has gained charitable status in its aim to champion brass band conducting across the UK and beyond.


Brassers

Podcast: Brassers

November 7 • The Norwegian banding movement is being kept up to date with news, views, opinions and interviews thanks to two fantastic enthusiasts...


Peter Fraser MBE

Death of Peter Fraser MBE

November 7 • The death has been announced of one of Scottish banding's most significant administrators and banding personalities.


Andrew Duncan

Duncan tenure ends at Dalmellington

November 7 • The two year musical partnership between Andrew Duncan and Dalmellington Band has come to an end.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 9 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Delph Band - Remembrance Sunday Concert

Sunday 9 November • Delph Band Club. Lawton Square, . Delph, . Oldham OL3 5DT


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Petworth Town Band

November 6 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS and TUBA. We are a very active band with a very inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We rehearse once a week and would welcome all new players to the band


Wotton-under-Edge Silver Band

November 4 • We are a busy and very friendly 2nd section band with 5 current vacancies - FRONT ROW CORNET – BACK ROW CORNET- EUPHONIUM - Bb BASS - PERCUSSION. We rehearse on Tuesdays & Thursdays near our lovely home town, just a short drive from M5, J14.


Harlow Brass Band

November 4 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd