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4BR Review — Episode 14

4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.

Review
  Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas are joined by Dr David Thornton

Welcome to the latest 4BR Review podcast, where 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.

Long regarded as one of the most important artistic events in the banding world, this year it will once again feature performances from leading bands, ensembles and soloists on a wide variety of both new as well as established repertoire — including at least nine world or UK premieres.

In addition, there are also discussions and interviews, whilst the next generation of brass performers also play an integral part with performances from ensembles and bands from the RNCM as well as the Yorkshire Youth Band.

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Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


Welcome

Warm welcome for Lawson at Welsh champion

March 28 • It's a been a long journey to get to his first rehearsal for Kyle Lawson at Cory — and its straight into concert action too.


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 5 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

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