*
banner

Great Hall conclusion for IBBSS global delegates

The Great Hall at Swansea University will provide the venue to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School.

IBBSS
  Hopefully the sun will be out for the t shirts to be worn...

The Great Hall at Swansea University will once again host the free Gala Concert that will bring the 2025 International Brass Band Summer School to a close on Friday 1st August.

Delegates from around the banding world will soon be heading to Wales for a week of musical fun and challenging exploration led by Course Director, Prof Nicholas Childs.

Wide ranging repertoire

Its Heritage and Cardinal ensembles will work on a wide variety of repertoire — from the Welsh marches of TJ Powell to classic overtures and rousing finales.

The featured soloists this year are stars Richard Marshall, Gary Curtin and Owen Farr, whilst delegates will also be able to brush up their skill sets with individual and group tuition and workshops.

Fantastic support and final bow

Speaking about the course, Prof Childs told 4BR: "It's wonderful that we are back in Swansea and are able to perform at such a great venue.

We always get fantastic support from the local banding community who come along to enjoy the Gala Concert."

He added: "We are putting all the arrangements in place to welcome our global delegates — all of whom will have been linked up with our indefatigable Course Administrator Alison Childs to ensure their trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

Alison will take her final bow in the role this year so the event is going to be just that little extra special."

Partners

The International Brass Band Summer School is supported this year by principal partner Geneva, as well as World of Brass, Rath Trombones, Adams Percussion, Denis Wick, Prima Vista Music, Brass Band World, Kapitol Promotions, 7 Elements Global, The Nicola Morris Trust, and Wellstead Inc.

Gala Concert:

Friday 1st August (7.00pm)
Great Hall
Swansea University Bay Campus,
Fabian Way,
Swansea
SA1 8EP

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    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd