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4BR New features

4BR launches two new feature article sections.

4BR
 

With the new year comes new ideas, features and articles on the 4BR site.

Dinner Guests

'Dinner Guests' will see 4BR asking leading brass band personalities for the 10 people, dead or alive, who they would like to invite around their dinner table for a quiet meal and a chin wag about the state of the brass band movement given the chance.

First up in the new series is Chris Wormald.

Go to:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art783.asp

Under the Spotlight

Meanwhile, 'Under the Spotlight' will see 4BR take a very close look at a band to try and find out more about its history, its personnel, but more importantly, about its aims and objectives for the coming season — and whether or not we think they will meet them.

First up is Wingates.

Go to:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art784.asp

New interview series

In addition we will still be looking at the up and coming players around the country in our 'Scouting Report', as well as our 'Gizmos & Gadgets slot and the look back in history that is the 4BR 'Time Team'.

We are also due to start a new series of interviews, whilst we hope to bring some interesting new developments on our contest coverage too.

We are also due to start a new series of interviews, whilst we hope to bring some interesting new developments on our contest coverage too4BR

Contest coverage

Contest coverage starts with the trip to Skegness and Butlins, and we will be at Yeovil, the Norwegian Championships and Action Research too in the early part of February.

Regionals

The Regionals will get our usual in depth coverage and analysis (despite five Areas taking place on one weekend) and we will be looking closely at the state of play in the Fourth Section in particular this year to see what can be done to encourage optimism not despair.

Events

On the event front we will be at the RNCM later this month to report on the bands and the music there, whilst there will also be a report from the National Association of Brass Band Conductors AGM and convention at Bolton where 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is chairing a forum discussing the question of how to help the transition from school and youth bands to adult bands.

Hope you enjoy them all...

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Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Report & Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Area title success for Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

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