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4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...

4BR Review
  Join Iwan and Chris to look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more...

The latest 4BR Review programme will be broadcast live on Thursday 29th January at 7.00pm.

RNCM

4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas will look back on a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester, where the audience was treated to a weekend packed with outstanding performances from the bands and especially the featured soloists.

Highlights

We pick up on many of the highlights — including the startling performance from percussionist Yasuaki Fukuhara with the Black Dyke Band, as well as discuss some of the talking points that arose.

These included the world premiere of the much anticipated 'Orbital' by Kenneth Blackford, the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not be coming to England, brass bands and the media, and much more.

All that and we look forward to the Norwegian National Championships and give our recommendations on latest releases and some old LPs to look out for.

Your views

Remember — your views are important — so if you want your say join us on Thursday evening.

Bookmark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFpvvsztuTU

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Krohnengen

Results: 2026 Oslo Brassfestival

April 29 • Krohnengen Brass secures the Olso Brassfestival title with section awards to Montebello Brass, Jolster Musikklag and Lismarka Mesnali Brass


Blackburn and Darwen

Results: 2026 Fleetwood Contest

April 29 • Blackburn & Darwen head the prize winners and take a step closer to the British Open at Fleetwood, with section wins for Poulton le Fylde, Clock Face Miners, Darwen Brass and Tewit Youth.


Kingdom Brass

Result: 2026 Fife Brass Brand Festival

April 29 • Kingdom Brass tops the entertainment in Dunfermline to claim the Fife Brass Band Festival title.


Unite

Results: 2026 Holme Valley Contest

April 29 • Unite the Union is in top hymn and test piece form in Holmfirth with section titles going to Hatfield & Askern Colliery and Shepherd Youth Band


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

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