*
banner

Great Northern bands announced

Philip Biggs has announced the bands that will participate at this year's Great Northern Brass Arts Festival in September.

bridgewater hall
 

The details of the bands that will appear at this year's Great Northern Brass Arts Festival at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Saturday 6th September have been announced.

Wingates return

Following their debut appearance at the festival in 2006, the Wingates Band will make a welcome return and they will be on stage at 12 noon.

Childrens debut

In what is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the day, the concert at 2.15pm will be given by the National Childrens Band of Great Britain. Since it's formation, the NCBGB has made a huge impression on anyone who has seen them at their concerts at the end of their summer courses and their appearance in Manchester is one not to be missed.

Following the NCBGB's appearance, the now traditional appearance of over 100 players from Wardle Juniors, Healey and Smithy Bridge and St James Primary School Bands will take place.

At 4.15pm, the Fairey Band, who have been regular attendees at the Festival will make an appearance.

Big three for Gala

The traditional Gala Concert at 7.15pm will once again showcase three of the best bands in the busines: Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and the Fodens (Richardson) Band.

Soloists and programmes to be announced

A key ingredient of the day is the featured soloists that will appear will the respective bands during the day. Details of the soloists that will perform with the bands and the music to be played by all the participants will be anmnounced at a later date.

Festival line up

Once again the festival will be supported by Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd, Besson Musical Instruments, Buffet Crampon and Yamaha Kemble Music (UK).

The line up of bands to appear is:

12 Noon: Wingates Band

2.15pm: National Childrens Band of Great Britain followed by Wardle Juniors, Healey and Smithy Bridge and St James Primary School Bands

4.15pm: Fairey Band

7.15pm: The Gala Concert featuring, Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Fodens (Richardson Bands).

Tickets available

Tickets for each individual concert are available in addition to an all inclusive daytime ticket or an all daytime and Gala Concert ticket from the Bridgewater Hall Box office — 0161 907 9000 or email box@bridgewater-hall.co.uk

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd