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4BR Review podcast: Episode 4

4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas look back at the European Championships as well as chatting about plenty of other things — from the Spring Festival to Maurice Murphy...

4br review
  The latest 4BR review podcast is now out

Welcome to the latest episode of the 4BR Review Podcast — where 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas chat about what is, what has and what will be going on in the brass band world.

We offer our views and opinions on events, topics, new releases and just about anything else that comes to mind.

Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j_yOnrywEo

Europeans

On this episode, we look back at the recent European Championships in Stavanger where Brass Band Willebroek claimed the title for a fourth time to discuss whether or not the event is in need of a musical as well as structural overhaul?

Back in the UK there was also the British Open Spring Festival which took place in Blackpool.

As always, we will discuss latest releases and concerts that took our fancy as well as recommend a couple of books and old LPS to get your hands on.

Review opinions

We look at concerts by David Childs, the forthcoming Elgar Festival and a new release from Onyx Brass and John Wilson.

Then there is the new Radio 3 programme 'Brass Banding with Hannah Peel', the 'Amersham Story' on Wobplay and Mike Lovatt's latest release, books by David Hirst on the Victorian Era at Black Dyke, and Russell and Elliott's 'Brass Band Movement', whilst our LPs choices come from the 1980s with Besses o'th' Barn and Yorkshire Imps.

Watch out for

Please subscribe to enjoy all what we have to offer — with a new major interview coming up in the next week as well as plans for a live hour long podcast too.

Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j_yOnrywEo

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Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

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